Physios reveal worst areas for workplace injuries

North Warwickshire is the worst region in Britain for work-related injuries, according to new analysis by the CSP physiotherapists' union.

Using official figures from the Health and Safety Executive, the CSP found that the region had a massive 174.6 injuries per 10,000 workers in the year 2004/05. Derwentside, Knowsley, Daventry, Selby, Corby, Eastleigh and Doncaster all had rates of over 100 injuries per 10,000 workers, while the City of London (10.3 injuries per 10,000) was Britain's safest place to work.

"Despite the obligation on employers to conduct full risk assessments, there is still a daily toll of people injured, maimed or even killed as a result of work activity," said Sarah Bazin, the CSP's chair of council. "Our study suggests that corners are being cut and that risk assessments are not always up to scratch."

Noting that physiotherapists see the "devastating consequences" of work-related accidents on a daily basis, Bazin urged employers to ensure that they "protect workers and the public by eliminating hazardous work environments".

The CSP analysis was carried out as part of National Physiotherapy Week (19-23 June), with the aim of reinforcing the union's message that "prevention is better than cure".

The full table of injury rates across 406 British regions can be downloaded from www.csp.org.uk