Ecclesiastical is encouraging brokers to speak to their clients about how best to protect themselves and the people who work, visit or volunteer at their heritage property by releasing a series of risk prevention guides.

Slips and trips are the single most common cause of injury in the UK workplace and account for over a third of liability claims. Historic properties can present unique challenges in comparison to modern buildings when preventing slips and trips due to design constraints and the aesthetic of the building. For example, modern solutions like modern handrails, concrete repairs and infills to worn stone steps are often impractical and out of character with the rest of the building.

The guidance results from a programme of research, commissioned by Ecclesiastical and undertaken by the Health and Safety Laboratory, the science and research arm of the Health and Safety Executive, and highlights best practice, recognises the challenges in historic properties and offers practical advice to prevent slips and trips that is both cost effective and sympathetic to the history of the building.

Huw Andrews, principal risk management consultant at Ecclesiastical, said: “Brokers play an important role in helping clients understand the risks they are facing and in ensuring that the right cover is in place for their clients. We hope these modules will aid conversations between brokers and their clients about how they can manage risks in heritage properties in a sensible way.”

Professor Andrew Curran, HSEs chief scientific adviser and director of research, said: “Science, evidence and analysis underpin HSEs own policy and regulatory activities and so we welcome and encourage organisations like Ecclesiastical to adopt a similar approach to inform their own guidance. Using HSEs science and research expertise to inform best practice through such collaborative approaches helps HSE in our mission to reduce risk, protect people and the environment and to save lives.”

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