SMALL firms are being encouraged to learn how to deal with injuries and illness in the workplace by listening to how other businesses have faced the problem.

Research shows businesses with fewer than 50 people are more likely to heed other firms than officials and regulatory bodies, so an initiative aims to help companies improve their health and safety performance through studying what their peers are doing to tackle the issue.

The programme, launched by the Health and Safety Executive and being delivered by the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives, will see a month-long series of activities and events across Scotland highlight health and safety issues. It will also let smaller companies know what support is available.

A key part of the initiative will be a series of free business-to-business seminars, featuring companies such as ScottishPower and packaging company Danapak giving straightforward information and practical advice about health and safety to SMEs.

Speaking at yesterday's launch, STUC chairwoman Judith Hackitt said: "Health and safety is a major issue both for the people working in Scotland and for the companies which employ them.

"We want employers to recognise that their most valuable resource is their workers and that protecting their health and safety is fundamental to improving business performance, as well as being a legal requirement.

"This initiative will highlight the considerable advice and support for businesses in Scotland, from union safety reps and local safety groups, to the extensive services offered by the SCHWL and the responsible businesses willing to share their expertise.

"The Scottish partnership approach offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference."

In 2006/07, more than 650 people in Glasgow were injured after falling from height, slipping or tripping at work, 208 of whom suffered fatal or serious injuries. Workplace injuries cost businesses in Glasgow an estimated £10.4million last year.

The Glasgow seminar will be held at the Hilton Grosvenor Hotel on May 16 and will be led by Magnox North, the firm responsible for safely decommissioning nuclear power stations in Scotland.

Steve Bell, strategic director for SCHWL, said: "Often firms are put off by the thought of dealing with health and safety regulations, yet the process doesn't need to be as daunting as they think.

"By using established, higher-performing businesses and encouraging smaller firms to learn from experience, we can show SMEs that health and safety doesn't have to be a minefield."