Non-fatal accidents at work cost UK businesses over £300m every year according to health and safety consultancy Croner.
As the HSE prepares to step up its workplace risk assessment programme, the consultancy is advising employers to ensure workplace hazards are reduced.
With one third of all major accidents at work being a direct result of a slip or trip, the Health and Safety Inspectorate has said it will be paying attention to housekeeping issues when it visits companies.
The Croner consultancy estimates that around 35,000 people are hurt and 70 killed each year as a result of slips, trips and falls.
Managing consultant of the safety department at Croner Consulting Stuart Mutch said: "Too often organisations focus on machinery and guards and forget the contribution that trailing cables, uneven floors, high shelves, site traffic or slippery surfaces bring.
"Every accident brings distress to families and colleagues. Legal action - especially if a member of the public is involved - can be extremely damaging to businesses - insurance only covers a small proportion of the costs.
"Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) employers are required to ensure the health and safety of all employees. The law was upgraded in 1999 to require employers to assess risks -including risks of slips and trips - and to take action to safeguard the health of their people."
