Employers urged to use free fall prevention resource

Every April 28, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) observes its World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The initiative, which began in 2003, is an international campaign promoting safe, healthy and decent work around the globe.

April 28 is also International Workers’ Memorial Day, which is officially recognised by the Government, and sees the UK’s workforce reflect on the many people who are killed, seriously injured or made ill while doing their job.

RoSPA is encouraging organisations to use April 28 to tackle the major health and safety issue of falls in the home by taking part in its Fall Fighter campaign. Falls are the most common cause of injuries in the UK and most falls happen at home, resulting in untold pain and misery to thousands of people every year. Over the last two years, COVID restrictions have led to many employees spending more time in their places of residence.

The impact of falls can be devastating for individuals and their loved ones, resulting in physical injuries and death, long-term health effects and disabilities, trauma, poor mental health, loss of mobility, loneliness, social isolation and loss of independence. Falls also impact hugely on society, costing the NHS and wider healthcare systems over £4billion every year and causing disruption to businesses through staff absence and other associated costs.

Despite this, making simple and low-cost changes can prevent falls from happening. The new Fall Fighter movement, developed in partnership with RSA Insurance Group, is designed to educate and empower people through a simple awareness session, transforming each of them into a “Fall Fighter” who can then help family, friends and others in their communities.

Employers and organisations can download a short free self-led workshop to run with others, or download the SCORM compliant e-learning files to upload to their own e-learning system.

RoSPA’s chief executive Errol Taylor said, “We are calling on employers to join us on our mission to prevent falls. Each and every employee could become a Fall Fighter and a massive power for good. By delivering our free training in the workplace, businesses and organisations can add to the ranks of the Fall Fighter community – a little knowledge goes a long way, both inside and outside of the workplace.”

For more information, visit www.rospa.com/world-day-for-safety-and-health-at-work