WorkCover New South Wales has urged the state’s business to renew their efforts to prevent workplace injuries from slips, trips and falls.

The call comes after a recent study found that over 71,000 workers were injured and 24 killed from such incidents over the last three years.

General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division, John Watson, said slips, trips and falls were among the most common causes of workplace injuries and deaths.

“Slips, trips and falls include falling from a height, falling over on the same level as well as stepping, kneeling or sitting on an object that causes an injury,” Mr Watson said.

“From 2009 to 2011, there were 71,932 workers compensation claims for workers injured or killed as a result of slips, trips and falls at a cost of $649 million to the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme.

“Common causes of workplace slips, trips and falls include spillages, workplace clutter, uneven floor surfaces and the use of ladders.”

Mr Watson added that if a worker is injured in a slip, trip or fall, the business must have an adequate return to work plan for the injured worker.

“Getting back to work quickly is the best outcome for an injured worker,” Mr Watson said.