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Businesses urged to protect workers or face legal action

06 October 2008

Businesses are being urged to protect their staff by carrying out workplace risk assessments – or face legal action.

National law firm Shoosmiths, which acts for people injured at work and the families of those killed while doing their job, wants staff shielded from risk.

Personal injury lawyer Sara Hunt said: “More than 200 people were killed and over 1,500 injured in the workplace in the UK during 2004/05 through direct failure by employers to manage risk. That's unacceptable.

“It's vitally important that companies and other organisations carry out assessments, and then update them if there's even the slightest change to the work environment. Failure to do so puts employees in danger, and leaves businesses vulnerable to successful claims against them.”

Hunt was speaking ahead of a week to promote European Campaign for Safety and Health at Work 2008-09, runs from 20-24 October.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) wants to demystify risk assessment, and demonstrate that is does not have to be complicated or done by experts.

Detailed information on risk assessment, including tools, case studies and advice, is available at the HSE website: www.hse.gov.uk

For further information please contact:
Name: Alastair Gray
Phone: 08700 864096
Email: Alastair.Gray@shoosmiths.co.uk

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