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1 in 10 workers injured at work
31 August 2006
New research from insurance company AXA shows that as many as 1 in 10 workers have been injured at work in the last five years.
The study revealed that the majority of injuries (81%) were the result of workplace accidents.But the insurers were shocked to find that 8% of injuries were caused by physical assaults.This figure will be less of a surprise to Usdaw members who work in shops and have been involved in our Freedom from Fear campaign -as the General Secretary has pointed out in Usdaw's press release responding to the survey today.
The most common workplace accidents were slips and strips, accounting for a third of the injuries. And the commonest injuries were strains and sprains (34%). Perhaps more surprising were the findings that injuries were more common in larger employers. Workers in companies employing 250 or more were twice as likely to suffer an injury compared with smaller businesses. And older workers are more at risk of falling. 47% of over-50 year olds reported slips, trips and falls compared to 28% of 18-29 year olds.
The findings prompted the insurers to advise employers to assess potential risks and to have 'stringent health and safety procedures' in place.
For more details of the AXA survey click here
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