In Leicestershire one person was killed and 679 were seriously injured as a result of a slip, trip or fall from height at work last year. Nationally, 61 people died and more than 14,000 suffered serious injury. Food manufacturing is one of the most common industries for slips, trips and falls.
Long Clawson, which was founded in 1911 when 12 farmers from the Vale of Belvoir formed a co-operative to produce Stilton cheese, now has 56 producing members from 34 farms in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, contributing to more than 30 products.
Long Clawson were keen to back the HSE campaign to encourage employers, in consultation with their employees, to 'take action' and invited HSE's Head of Operations for the East Midlands, Inspector Alan Craddock and Natalie Moore, Senior Environmental Health Officer for Melton Borough Council, into their premises to show them the measures they have in place to prevent slips, trips and falls.
John Burdett, Technical Manager of Long Clawson Dairy, said:
"We were keen to join the HSE to back their Shattered Lives Campaign. Simple steps can reduce the chance for slips, trips and falls in the workplace and we're keen that other organisations follow our lead.
Working with cheese obviously provides a difficult and slippery environment but we have systems in place to ensure slips and trips are not an issue. Ongoing monitoring is in place and floors are cleaned in a perpetual rota. We also ensure all staff are aware of the importance of reducing slipping and tripping hazards through staff training and toolbox talks."
The dairy is also investing in new machinery that will reduce the amount of floor waste and is investigating replacing its traditional metal steps and walkways for ones with special punched-through holes to create a better grip.
Alan Craddock, Head of Operations for HSE East Midlands, said:
"Each year slips, trips and falls cost the British society nearly £700 million pounds. But what these figures don't reflect, is the extent to which these injuries affect individual workers and their families.
"Slips, trips and falls can be viewed as being minor, funny accidents but the effects are not. It can lead to major injuries, and a lifetime of disability or time off work and in worst cases fatalities. 'Shattered Lives' will encourage people to change their attitudes: if you spot a hazard, don't assume 'somebody else will sort it out'.
"Slips, trips and falls also shatter businesses through costs such as employee absence, sick pay and reduced productivity. Irrespective of the size of the business and the job that you do, it could happen to you."
Natalie Moore, senior environmental health officer for Melton Borough Council said:
"There are lots of ways for people to reduce slips, trips and falls in the workplace. Everyone has a part to play from the people who manage the staff to the people working for the company. Employers should ensure they put an effective management system in place, carry out regular risk assessments and make sure they are aware of the relevant laws and regulations.
"Staff need to be fully aware of the consequences of slips, trips and falls and be aware that their actions could make the difference between someone getting injured or not. So if you see a spillage - clean it up. Don't leave it till someone slips on it. The figures for major injuries in Leicester and Leicestershire are high so we're keen to back the Shattered Lives campaign and help to reduce these numbers."
Fatalities and serious injuries arising from slips, trips and fall incidents cost British society an estimated £700 million last year.
The campaign is targeted at seven sectors where there is a prevalence of such injuries: food retail, catering and hospitality, food and drink manufacturing, building and plant maintenance, construction, healthcare and education, although the risks can occur in any workplace.
To help businesses take preventive action the HSE launched STEP - an interactive learning package that provides practical guidance to help users tackle slips, trips and falls in their workplace. The tool is free and can be accessed online at
