According to a report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), one in four workers in London have tripped or slipped at work in the last year.

The HSE reports that injuries sustained by a slip or fall in the workplace are on the increase and last year cost UK companies more than £500 million in lost work and workers compensation.

It is now launching a nationwide campaign called Watch Your Step, in a bid to highlight the impact of workplace injuries on both the employees and on businesses. It is providing tips on how to minimise the risks of such accidents.

According to the report there were more than 44,000 recorded slipping or tripping accidents last year and falling over at work accounted for over 11,000 major workplace injuries. Accidents most likely to happen in the public administration, retail, wholesale, health and social work industries. The report also says that, every hour someone in Britain breaks a bone at work and two people die each year as a result of slipping up.

Over 90 per cent of those injured are absent from work for at least one week and accidents from trips account for 16 per cent of compensation claims.

The Health and Safety Executive’s acting chief executive, Justin McCracken said: “Slips and trips are the biggest cause of major injury at work in Britain today. We estimate that they cost the UK economy about £500 million each year, and preventing them isn’t difficult or expensive. If you see a spill or if you see something lying around, clear it up. Our message is – if you see a problem, don’t just see it, sort it.”

The Watch Your Step campaign is advising employers to follow their guidelines on how to prevent such accidents, by making sure lighting is satisfactory, floors are clear of obstacles such as cables and that spillages are cleared up. The campaign is also aimed at employees to help them be responsible for their own safety at work were possible.