Unsafe workplaces are rife, claims new survey
Personal injury solicitor Hayward Baker commissioned the study of more than 1,000 employees, of which 141 worked in the manufacturing sector.
A large 81% of workers in manufacturing claimed their workplaces to be health hazards.
Half of all the factory workers surveyed said they had suffered from an injury at work, and almost one-third (32%) had been to hospital as a result.
The research also identified that the average employee in manufacturing had three accidents at work, with two of those having happened in the past 12 months alone.
Slippery floors or stairs
Slippery floors or stairs (24%), obstructions (16%) and cluttered floors (11%) were all cited as causes.
Hayward Baker said that the serious issue of factory workers’ health and safety protection worsened as 24% said handling large, heavy items incorrectly and without the right equipment contributed to their injury.
Defective equipment counted towards 13% of workplace injuries among employees while 10% said they had unsatisfactory tools to carry out their job.
More than half (56%) of those employed by manufacturers said they had complained to their bosses about the state of their workplace and a further 25% said their manager did nothing to rectify the situation.
More ‘severe’ accidents
The more ‘severe’ accidents that followed an injury at work in a manufacturing environment included dislocations (8%) and a further 6% said they had lost a limb or body part as a result of their injury.
According to the research, a quarter (25%) sought legal advice after suffering from injury within a factory environment, claiming an average of £20,071.
Taking the issue of health and safety seriously is the focus of the National Food and Drink Manufacturing Health and Safety Conference organised by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) Food and Drink Industries Group, which takes place at Broughton, North Lincolnshire from October 4–5.
Delegates will hear from more than 20 speakers during the conference, including representatives from Marks & Spencer, 2 Sisters Food Group and the Bakers Food & Allied Workers Union.
