London groups back slips, trips and falls campaign

A number of London organisations have pledged their support for a leading watchdog's Shattered Lives campaign, which could lead to an increase in the number taking slips, trips and falls training.

Six organisations and a doctor from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in Lambeth have backed the Health and Safety Executive initiative.

In 2007, 147 people from the area suffered major injuries requiring at least three days off work.

Pauline Cole, a chartered physiotherapist, is among those welcoming the move, claiming that there is an unreasonably high rate of accidents.

She claims the injuries employees can sustain through accidents of the kind highlighted by the Shattered Lives campaign can have long-term and devastating effects.

Among the areas she suggests need improvement include ensuring the suitability of floor surfaces, requiring staff to wear appropriate footwear and introducing effective signage, all areas which could be covered in slips, trips and falls training.

Earlier this month, staff at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital also backed the campaign as part of its second phase, which was launched in February.