That's a lot of people falling down stairs. Fortunately, most of these accidents only result in minor injuries but a significant number have a long-term impact on the lives of those who slip or trip.
Angela Hurcomb, 55, from Hereford, is one of those whose life has been changed forever by a stair accident. She's had to give up horse riding and can't drive a car for more than half-an-hour at a time. She's still in pain after falling down a spiral staircase at her place of work in January 2008.
The incident cost her employer £5,000 in compensation, not to mention all the staff time and resources given over to dealing with the personal injury claim. While the retail chain she worked for could probably absorb these expenses relatively easily, a smaller business may have struggled.
Your firm probably has a staircase or two about the place and it's almost certain to see regular use. Your staff don't give it a moment's thought - most of us frequently go up and down stairs at home, at work or when we're out shopping.
But if one of them were to slip and fall their view of the stairs could change, literally and legally. You would be exposed to the risk of personal injury claim that could suck precious time and money from your business. You might also lose a valuable employee, possibly forever. Angela Hurcomb now works for someone else.
Have any of your staff complained about a possible risk on one of your staircases? A loose step, a slippery tread or a poor handrail? You should follow it up straight away, even if it's an informal observation. Angela Hurcomb complained to her employer about the staircase she eventually fell down and they failed to act.
Don't trust to luck or to the goodwill of your staff - even the most accommodating employee can become remarkably litigious when there's the possibility of a pay-off.
Health and safety is a perpetual source of frustration for small businesses. There's almost always more that could be done and it's a distraction from the real work that earns the money. But that doesn't mean it should be constantly ignored or put off. Investing a little time now could save you a lot later on.
