Thompsons Solicitors have welcomed the launch of 'Shattered Lives" a major new campaign to cut the deadly toll caused by slips and trips at work.
Frank Maguire, Senior Partner with Thompsons Solicitors said: "A lot of people think its funny when they see someone slip or trip.
"But the consequences can be anything but funny for the victim ranging from minor disabilities to impairment that last a life-time, or even death.
"Anything that the campaign can do to raise awareness of the problem and safeguard ordinary people in their workplace should be welcomed."
The Health and Safety Executive have launched the Shattered Lives campaign by publishing figures which show that someone breaks or fractures a bone at work, EVERY minute.
The figures are alarming - every week, one person dies from a slip, trip or fall at work and the serious injuries from slips, trips and falls make up almost a third of all injuries reported to the HSE.
Introducing the 'Shattered Lives' campaign, HSE inspector Andy Shaw said:
"Each year slips, trips and falls cost the British society nearly £811m - but what these figures don't reflect, is the extent to which these injuries affect individual workers and their families.
"Slips, trips and falls can be viewed as being minor, funny accidents but the effects are not. It can lead to major injuries and a lifetime of disability or time off work - and in worst cases, fatalities. 'Shattered Lives' will encourage people to change their attitudes: if you spot a hazard, don't assume 'somebody else will sort it out'.
"Slips, trips and falls also shatter businesses through costs such as employee absence, sick pay and reduced productivity. Irrespective of the size of the business and the job that you do, it could happen to you."
HSE's Shattered Lives campaign will offer support and guidance to employers and employees in the construction, building and plant maintenance and food manufacturing and retail industries where the incidence of injuries resulting from slips, trips and falls is highest.
For more information on the 'Shattered Lives' campaign, go to http://www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives/index.htm