Falls costs businesses £512m a year

Every year almost 2,000 serious injuries occur in the hospitality sector as a result of falls, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

This figure was released as part of the HSE's Watch Your Step campaign, which highlights the impact falls can have on UK businesses.

Watch Your Step also found that more than 90% of cases in the catering and hotel industry lead to the injured person being absent from work for at least a week

Justin McCracken, HSE's acting chief executive, said: "This is not a laughing matter, particularly when absenteeism, insurance, wage and civil liability costs are taken into consideration."

It is estimated that one person falls and seriously hurts themselves in a British workplace every three minutes and every hour someone breaks a bone, costing UK employers £512m a year.

The HSE has detailed a number of preventative methods to avoid falls. These include ensuring there is adequate lighting, clearing up spillages and making sure flooring is suitable.

More information is available from www.watchyourstep.hse.gov.uk and the helpline 0845 345 0055.

By Amy Abrahams

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