Wet floor ruling may have PPE implications

Construction firms may find themselves liable for employee accidents caused by working on wet and slippery floors, according to advice from a law firm in the wake of a court case.

The case, where a worker at a care home slipped on a pool of urine and then successfully sued her employer for the injuries caused, may also apply to other work environments where liquids may be spilt on floors according to law firm DWF, reports responsesource.com.

Such a ruling may have personal protection equipment implications as the right kind of footwear or protection against falls may prevent injuries from slippages.

The news comes at a time when the issue of health and safety, particularly in the construction industry, has had a raised profile due to an increased number of accidents and rising fatalities.

Last week Contract Journal reported that in the 2007-08 financial year to date, 28 construction deaths have already occurred, putting the industry at risk of exceeding last year's annual total of 77.


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