The Shattered Lives campaign is about creating a step-change in the attitudes of businesses and their workers, to help them reduce the number of serious injuries to themselves and their colleagues from slips, trips and falls.

Last year, of the 11,000 serious injuries reported to the HSE from a slip, trip or fall – including falls from height – almost half (46%) were in the construction, building and plant maintenance industry.

The figures are alarming and speak for themselves: every week one person dies due to a slip, trip or fall at work and just under half of these deaths are in the construction industry so you are key in helping to change this.

Often, slips and trips aren’t given due concern in this industry and they are frequently seen as trivial issues. Most trip incidents are caused by construction sites being obstructed with tools, materials and waste and uneven walking surfaces.

The HSE wants to emphasise through this campaign, the fact that slips, trips and falls can cause serious injuries.

Everyone is responsible for health and safety and if you spot a hazard, don’t assume that somebody else will sort it out. The HSE sees all site staff as crucial to changing attitudes, and site managers and duty holders will play a key role in ensuring it happens. Staff must be competent and adequately trained.

The duty of care for employees rests with employers but anyone at work can help to reduce slips, trips and falls from height in the workplace.

Some top tips for reducing slips, trips and falls:

Site managers:
• Take control of your site – make sure it is tidy and properly organised.
• Make sure that those involved in work at height have a safe method for doing the work and stick to it.

Building owners/clients/facilities managers:
• Check that plans are in place to prevent slips, trips and falls during the build and when the building is completed.

Architects:
• Start at the beginning – include measures that will prevent slips, trips and falls from height in the plans at every stage.

Construction workers:
• Don’t let a fall happen to you. If you work at height get the right training.
• Don’t work near an open edge.
• Don’t let a trip happen to you or your collegues. Keep your work area clear.

Free resources have been produced to support construction staff in kick-starting Shattered Lives campaigns in their own organisations. These are available through the Shattered Lives website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives and by calling the infoline on 0845 345 0055.

The HSE’s message to the construction industry is: Don’t chance it. Change it.

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