The Highland Council lends support to HSE's shattered lives campaign

The Highland Council is supporting an HSE campaign in to prevent accidents in schools, colleges and universities.

Slips, trips and falls cause 60% of serious injuries to people working in education, according to the latest statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Last year, there were more than 2,500 accidents in the UK education sector, costing nearly £50 million in compensation and lost time.

The HSE's national Shattered Lives campaign is highlighting the long-term consequences that slips, trips and falls can have on people's lives. A total of 61 people died and more than 14,000 suffered serious injury as a result of a slip, trip or fall from height in British workplaces last year.  In Scotland, 10 people died and over 4,000 suffered serious injury as a result of a slip, trip or fall from height. And fatalities and serious injuries arising from slips, trips and fall incidents cost British society an estimated £700 million last year.

Peter Black, an Inspector in HSE’s Inverness office said:

"Corridors and staircases in education buildings can be very busy places so it's vital that they're kept clean to prevent slips, trips and falls.
"We're encouraging teachers and lecturers to promote the well known 'walk - don't run' rule, and to make sure any spillages are cleaned up immediately to reduce the risk of accidents.

"People often view slips, trips and falls as trivial incidents but they can have devastating consequences. It's time to start taking action and this is why HSE is mounting its 'Shattered Lives' campaign."

Councillor Carolyn Wilson, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Resources Committee, added:

"So many deaths and major injuries are caused by accidents that are so easy to prevent - each one a tragedy for the individual involved. Simple measures really can make a positive difference to workplace safety - most accidents from slips and trips are easy to prevent by clearing up spillages straight away, and by making sure people don't run inside buildings or in busy places."

The HSE is running a national campaign to raise awareness about the issue, targeting people working in the food retail, catering and hospitality, food and drink manufacturing, building and plant maintenance, construction, health and education sectors.

Advice on how to prevent slips, trips and falls in workplaces is available on the HSE's website.
Public enquiries: HSE's InfoLine 0845 345 0055