According to recent statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) across Great Britain 133 people died at work and 79,500 injuries were officially reported. People working in manufacturing, agriculture and construction reported the most accidents, as well as people who work in accommodation, transport or food services. 

The Red Cross will be offering advice on first aid at work at the Health and Safety Scotland exhibition between 22 and 23 April at the SECC in Glasgow.

Paul Stoddart from the charity said:  “Last year 4.7million working days were lost across the UK as a result of workplace accidents, costing businesses millions of pounds. But the real cost is human. No-one would ever want to be in a situation where a colleague has been injured and you didn’t know what to do.”

A report released by the HSE showed the most common injuries are due to slips and trips (28%), handling, lifting or carrying (24%), and being struck by moving objects (10%).

Stoddart continued: “It’s clear that more heavy-duty industries are of course the more dangerous in terms of injuries, especially for people using heavy machinery and working alone. However we would urge everyone to learn how to save a life. Learning first aid is more than just a box-ticking exercise, it could make the difference between life and death, or help someone recover faster from an injury.”

Manning stand 144, hall 5, staff from the Red Cross will be attending the exhibition to provide information about first aid at work training in the UK.