North-east firms urged to step up safety
December 31st 09:00 Health and Safety
Companies operating in the north-east of England have been urged to ensure their facilities management is up to scratch.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) gave the message in advance of the new year, pointing out that now is a good time to reflect over the past 12 months.
Figures cited by the organisation suggest that over the course of 2008-09, almost 122 work-related incidents occurred each week in the region, while an annual total of 6,318 people were killed or injured.
The HSE's Pam Waldron stated: "Behind these statistics are the real life stories of thousands of workers suffering injuries and ill health. Together with their families, they have to deal with real hardship, pain and suffering."
She added that simple measures such as the assessment of workplace risks and the identification of how these can be mitigated "can and do" prevent many accidents.
Recently, Sunderland City Council and the Health and Safety Executive inspected more than 65 north-east firms to assess their health and safety standards.
