| Accidents at work are costing us millions each year. | | | | Across the country, 1 person a week dies as a direct |
| Last year, accidents in Plymouth have been estimated | | | | result of an accident at work. |
| to have cost the region 4.5 million, while in North | | | | The construction industry is the most dangerous |
| Yorkshire, the figure is more than double at 11 million. | | | | industry to be in, accounting for half of all workplace |
| The costs reflect the burden on the healthcare system | | | | industries. Other high risk jobs were those in catering |
| and costs to local authorities involving investigations | | | | and care homes. |
| and inspections. However, the biggest costs are to the | | | | The HSE found that some companies simply are not |
| businesses themselves, with some smaller companies | | | | following basic safety guidelines. Rachael Harris, a |
| forced to close as a result of the high cost of | | | | senior health officer said that she often finds kitchens |
| workplace accidents. | | | | where grease was left to spill out of ovens onto the |
| Businesses have to cover the cost of replacement | | | | floor, where people 'skate' through it. |
| workers and sick pay as well as coping with reduced | | | | With the biggest cost of these accidents to the |
| productivity. In addition, many then face huge | | | | businesses themselves, it is in the interest of |
| compensation settlements, legal costs and rising | | | | employers to place more importance on health and |
| insurance premiums. | | | | safety. A responsible attitude of care and |
| In Plymouth, as many as 272 tripping and falling | | | | consideration towards employees should be at the |
| accidents occurred last year, while in York 51 people | | | | heart of all businesses. |
| where actually hospitalised following a fall at work. | | | | |