HSE 'Watch Your Step' campaign

HSE survey says people are putting themselves and their colleagues at risk of injury by ignoring workplace hazards that could cause them to fall by slipping or tripping up.

HSE urges men to 'Watch Your Step'.

Men are putting themselves and their colleagues at risk of injury by ignoring workplace hazards that could cause them to fall by slipping or tripping up, according to an Opinion Survey released today by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as part of its Watch Your Step campaign.

The findings show men are 28% more likely to injure themselves slipping or tripping at work than women, and when they do, take three times more sick leave as a result of their injuries.

But men could be to blame for their own demise.

According to those surveyed, men are 18% less likely to clear up spilt liquid they see on a floor and are three times more likely than their female counterparts to completely ignore this risk.

This is on the back of findings that show that liquids cause 13% of all major injuries in the workplace.

They are also twice as likely to admit to ignoring packages blocking a natural pathway or cables lying across a floor where people walk.

Justin McCracken, Acting Chief Executive of HSE, says: "If employees don't take responsibility for clearing the hazards that cause these injuries, and one of their colleagues gets injured as a result, it will remain on their conscience".

"Imagine if their injury meant they couldn't go on their annual holiday, or missed a relative's wedding".

"Our message is clear: 'Don't just see it, sort it!'".

Amongst men who are injured following a slip or trip at work, the average sick leave is 14.5 days, three times longer than women, who take an average of four days off.

Justin McCracken continues; "Sick leave from slip and trip incidents can have a significant impact on business productivity".

"It is important to remember they are the leading cause of major injuries in the workplace today".

"Estimates show these injuries annually cost UK business in excess of GBP500 million, an average of GBP25,000 per incident".

"This is a significant cost to businesses of any size and could be crippling to smaller businesses".

HSE's Watch Your Step campaign microsite and Infoline provides information to guide businesses as to the simple, cost effective steps that can be taken to identify and remove these hazards.

More information and tips on how to minimise risks can be found by visiting www.watchyourstep.hse.gov.uk or calling 0845 345 0055.

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