Safety week focuses on accidents

Employers do not have adequate procedures for assessing the causes of workplace accidents according to research just published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Accident prevention is the theme of this year's European Week of Health and Safety which takes place between 15-22 October. The TUC is urging safety reps to use the week to get their employers to agree to:

* a joint inspection of the workplace to identify hazards and assess the risk of accidents - focusing on slips, trips and falls

* a special investigation of a recent accident or the development of an accident investigation policy

* setting targets and then an action plan for accident reduction in line with Government targets.

The HSE has produced an action pack for the week which includes posters stickers and fact sheets on accident prevention. Ring the helpline on 0845 718 1819 for a pack.