Project: Care Homes Project – PSP sector have the lead here. Other topic areas (eg manual handling) will be included alongside slips and trips in this project. Both HSE (Nursing Homes and LA run Care Homes) and LAs (other Care Homes) have inspection and enforcement responsibilities. A working group will soon be established with representatives from enforcing authorities and industry.
To reduce the number of major injury slip and trip accidents in Residential Care and Nursing Homes by raising awareness and improving management of slips and trips. To provide advice on practical control measures and take enforcement action where appropriate.
There were [1220] slip and trip major injuries to health and care workers in 2006/07.
Although the focus is on reducing accidents to care workers in this sector, it is inevitable that issues in connection with residents/patients will be raised. Better control measures generally will also benefit residents but many will have medical related issues that are outside the remit of this project.
Many slip/trip accidents in this sector occur in kitchens. – see ‘Stop slips in kitchens’ resources below.
Enforcement officers should be aware of the important recent civil case involving a slip accident in a care home:
Ellis v Bristol City Council.
Currently being agreed by a working group.
During the latter part of 2008/9 and into 2009/10.
Detailed guidance on inspections:
For more information and resources visit the HSE website
