Colchester Zoo is backing the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) ‘Shattered Lives’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness of how slips, trips and falls in the workplace can ruin lives.

The Essex zoo is considered to be one of Europe’s top tourist attractions, and zookeepers have got behind the HSE safety campaign after it was revealed that in 2008-09, a total of 1,066 people in Essex were injured in slips, trips and falls in the workplace; of these, 303 were classed as major accidents – while 763 incidents involved employees taking off three or more days in sick leave to recover from injuries sustained in the accident.

Zoological Director at Colchester Zoo, Anthony Tropeano, said:

‘Cleaning of all our animal enclosures takes place daily. Whatever activities our employees are involved in, we make sure they are aware of how to carry out their work safely.

‘I hope HSE’s Shattered Lives campaign makes people think more about preventing slips, trips and falls in their workplaces. We have to think of the potential risks all the time – everyone has a right to go home safely.’

Colchester Zoo covers 60 acres of parkland and lakes and is home to 250 species of animal. Safety inspections of zoos are carried out by local councils.

Health and Safety enforcement officer at Colchester Borough Council, Martin Nelson, said:

‘Colchester Zoo is a fascinating premises, which is continually evolving and improving – but always amid a strong health and safety culture and management.’

Last year in the east of England, two fatal workplace accidents were reported, as well as 1,250 major injuries among workers.

Head of Operations for the HSE in the east of England, Simon Longbottom, said:

‘These figures highlight the very real and serious nature of preventable slip, trip and fall incidents in the workplace. 

‘Slips, trips and falls might sound funny, but they shatter the lives of thousands of British workers ever year.

‘Making improvements need not cost the earth and we are encouraging people to visit our Shattered Lives website, where they will be able to get simple and cost-effective solutions to help manage slips, trips and falls hazards in their workplace.’

More information about preventing slips, trips and falls in the workplace is available at www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives.

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