BUSINESSES across South Lakeland are to be targeted by a series of inspections by council officers in a bid to cut the number of workplace slips and trips.
During this week South Lakeland District Council officers will be visiting premises to inspect floors, with the aim of reducing accidents.
According to Health and Safety Executive statistics, slips make up the majority of the 35,000 injuries that occur every year in workplaces across Great Britain. In 2002 to 2003 more than 70 of these accidents occurred within the South Lakeland area.
Inspectors will use a special meter to measure surface roughness. These statistics will be analysed on site and officers will be able to advise proprietors on how they can improve conditions.
Where there is a serious problem with the floor, enforcement action will be taken, ranging from formal letters, prohibition notices and possible prosecution.
The campaign is being organised in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive and the inspections will take place across the whole of Cumbria.
SLDC assistant director of environmental health Chris Fidler said: "This county-wide campaign supported by the health and Safety Executive, highlights the fact that slips and trips continue to be the major cause of accidents and injuries in the workplace."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article