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Early prevention 'helps cut health and safety risks'

16 February 2011

Early prevention is key to reducing the risk of accidents happening in the workplace, according to one safety body.

Occupational safety adviser at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Roger Bibbings has advised firms to implement some "simple measures" that can cut the number of slips, trips and falls that take place at work.

He suggested installing good-quality lighting, mopping up spills quickly and putting down mats at entrances to prevent smooth floors from becoming contaminated.

"All such measures are cheap and easy compared to the pain and cost of falls leading to fractures and other injuries," Mr Bibbings remarked, adding that approximately 40 per cent of all major workplace injuries can be attributed to slips, trips and falls.

A new report partially produced by the Energy Institute and the Health & Safety Executive has found early warning systems can help improve worker welfare in high-risk environments.

It also suggested ways firms can assess human factors and how these impact on safety.

Read more about how standards can help you prevent accidents