BUSINESSES large and small are being offered free help to reduce the risk of workplace accidents.

Bury has joined forces with its Greater Manchester counterparts to give advice to 50,000 firms as part of European Week for Safety and Health.

The most common causes of injuries, from transport accidents to falls and trips, are highlighted in an information pack targeted at high-risk organisations. These include catering, food retailing and general warehousing.

Around 2,500 workplace injuries were reported to the Greater Manchester authorities for investigation in 1999/2000.

In the last four years, 17 workers have died after a fall and 14 after being struck by a vehicle. The number of major injuries caused by slips and trips has also increased significantly, with broken or dislocated bones reported in 95 per cent of cases.

Councillor Pam Walker, public protection spokesman, said it was important to raise awareness that the workplace could be dangerous. "By taking the simplest of measures, the risk of injury can be often significantly minimised," she said.

"Hopefully we will be able to get that message across and ensure that both employers and employees receive practical advice to protect against problems in the workplace."

Mr Neil Acton, senior training manager for Manchester Training, said: "You can end up paying a high price for poor health and safety measures and in the worst instances it can result in a company having to close down.

"Our role is to show how organisations which are proactive with their health and safety strategy are laying the foundations for an efficiently-operated company where the safety of employees and visitors to the site is given the respect and importance it deserves."