A total of 1,500 people who have suffered from an injury in the past five years were surveyed* to create an accurate portrait of the cities where different types of injuries are most likely to occur, visualised in the attached UK injury hotspots map and here.

Cardiff and Norwich topped the injury charts, both coming out top in three different injury categories, with Newcastle and Sheffield not far behind, coming top in two different injury categories. London, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester managed to avoid topping the charts in any of the injury categories.

The most popular injuries by city are:

• Back injury – Newcastle (19% of residents have suffered)
• Neck injury – Sheffield (12%)
• Head injury – Sheffield (8%)
• Face injury – Nottingham (7%)
• Broken toe and foot bones – Cardiff (10%)
• Broken arms and hand bones – Bristol (8%)
• Broken legs or hips – Cardiff (5%)
• Broken teeth – Norwich (5%)
• Bruised and cracked ribs – Cardiff (7%)
• Cuts requiring stiches – Southampton (7%)
• Tendon and soft tissue damage – Norwich (17%)
• Ligament damage – Norwich (10%)
• Broken collar bone – Liverpool (3%)
• General cuts and bruises – Newcastle (22%)
• Broken back – Edinburgh (4%)

Overall, the most common injuries sustained by Brits are painful cuts and bruises, with 18% of respondents having suffered from them in the past five years. Next up was back injury (15%), followed by tendon and soft tissue damage (11%), neck injury (8%) and ligament damage (7%).

The least common injuries sustained by Brits are broken backs (1%), broken collar bones (1%) and broken legs and hips (3%). Surprisngley though, 4% of respondents from Edinburgh have suffered from a broken back, a figure much higher than the overall national average. On the other hand, Glasgow is the city where you’re least likely to break a leg, with no respondents (0%) having suffered from that particular injury.

Following injury, a massive 40% of Brits were able to return straight back to work without having to take any time off, 17% needed to take up to three days off to recover and 11% had to take a week off. An unlucky 8% had to take more than a month off to fully recuperate, with 2.5% of those surveyed never being able to return to work due the seriousness of their injury.

A First4lawyers spokesperson said: “Our research has provided a clear picture of the type of injuries Brits are most likely to suffer from according to where they live. In general, serious injury is fairly rare, although the research does highlight the fact that certain injuries which can often be debilitating, like back and neck injury, are fairly common.

“Anyone who is suffering from pain or unusual symptoms following an accident or fall should seek immediate medical attention to ensure they receive the correct treatment as soon as possible and avoid doing any further damage.”

First4lawyers is one of the UK’s leading companies that provides marketing and legal services to solicitors specialising in Personal Injury law and represents over 30 law firms across the UK.

If a consumer has sustained an injury from an accident which was someone else’s fault First4lawyers will put them in touch with a specialist solicitor so they can seek redress for the personal injury they have sustained.

First4lawyers is authorised by the Ministry of Justice in respect of regulated claims management activities and is a registered company, incorporated in the UK.

For further information about First4lawyers please visit www.first4lawyers.com.

<a href="http://www.first4lawyers.com/injury-hotspot-infograph/"><img src="http://www.first4lawyers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Injury_Hotspot_Map.jpg" alt="Injury Hotspots in the UK" title="UK Injury Hotspots Infograph" width="689" height="990" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-15990" /></a>

• Over two thirds of those admit their injury was caused by alcohol

• Falling over the most common cause of injury

• Liverpool, Leeds and Nottingham are the cities where drunken accidents are most likely to happen

Nights out really can be bad for your health according to new research by Personal Injury law specialist First4lawyers, which has revealed 33% of Brits have injured themselves whilst on one and 70% of those injuries were caused by too much alcohol.

The research* was commissioned by First4lawyers to mark the festive party season and highlight the dangers that drunken nights out can pose.

Overall, the most common cause of injury on a night out is falling over outside, but there are some notable differences in certain causes of injuries between men and women.

Worryingly, men are much more likely than women to be injured through fighting on a night out (16.3% vs. 1.7%), whilst women are much more likely to hurt themselves falling over inside clubs and bars (25% vs. 16%).

Other causes of injury include:
• Broken glass (10.5%)
• Falling down stairs in nightclubs and bars (8.5%)
• Jumping over obstacles like road barriers (4%)
• Cigarette burns (3.5%)
• Getting run over (1.5%)

Those in the younger age categories are most likely to be injured on a night out with 54% of those aged 18-24 and 41% of those aged 25-34 sustaining one whilst enjoying themselves.

Cities where alcohol is to blame for the largest percentage of injuries sustained on nights out include Liverpool (88%), Leeds (77%), Nottingham (76%), London (72%), Manchester (71%) and Birmingham (71%).

Those cities where alcohol is least likely to be the culprit behind injuries include Cardiff (57%), Southampton (58%), Norwich (60%) and Newcastle (61%).

A First4lawyers spokesperson said: “This research has revealed that injuries sustained whilst people are enjoying themselves on nights out are fairly common and that, worryingly many are caused by drinking too much alcohol.

“With the Christmas party season firmly upon us we’re urging people to drink responsibly and look after themselves when they go out over the coming weeks. Everyone enjoys a good night out and a drink or two, but no one wants to end a night out with a painful injury.

“Falling over is the most common cause of injury, so we’d advise people to wear sensible shoes if they are planning on drinking and to keep an eye out for spilled drinks and broken glass in bars and nightclubs to avoid slipping. And if you do hurt yourself on a night out, inform someone who works at the place you are in so they can provide the necessary medical assistance required and log the incident.”

First4lawyers is one of the UK’s leading companies that provides marketing and legal services to solicitors specialising in Personal Injury law and represents over 30 law firms across the UK.

If a consumer has sustained an injury from an accident which was someone else’s fault First4lawyers will put them in touch with a specialist solicitor so they can seek redress for the personal injury they have sustained.

First4lawyers is authorised by the Ministry of Justice in respect of regulated claims management activities and is a registered company, incorporated in the UK.

For further information about First4lawyers please visit www.first4lawyers.com.

Notes to editors:
* Survey of 1,500 adults aged 18 and over across the UK commissioned by First4lawyers and carried out by YourSayPays.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found grounds to prosecute the local authority after members of a bridge club alerted the fire service after discovering what they suspected to be a gas leak at the community centre.

The Magistrates Court heard that upon investigating the problem, fire fighters found exceptionally high levels of carbon monoxide seeping from the flue in the loft and subsequently evacuated the community centre.

Sections of the flue had disintegrated, causing the toxic gas to accumulate and begin to flow through an open hatch into a cupboard just off the centre’s main hall.

After investigating the incident, the HSE discovered that the contract for maintenance and vital annual safety checks of all gas appliances in the 38 properties owned by the council, including nine households, had expired an entire year before the incident.

In addition to failing to carry out gas checks on the appliances in these properties, it was also revealed that the council had not had the Staffordshire community centre’s 30-year-old boiler checked for almost two years before the discovery on 30 March 2009.

The council pleaded guilty on 7 Dec 2011 to violating both Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which states:

"It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks of their health and safety."

It was also found to have breached Regulation 5 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which states:

"Every employer shall make and give effect to such arrangements as are appropriate, having regard to the nature of his activities and the size of his undertaking, for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the preventive and protective measures."

The council was consequently fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £25,550 in court costs.

HSE inspector, Lynne Boulton, said of the case after the hearing:

"Every year, about 20 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning, invariably due to gas appliances not being properly serviced and checked for safety. Many more become ill with long-term health problems.

"This incident could have had much more serious consequences, particularly as elderly people and children, who are more vulnerable to the effects of this dangerous gas, use the centre regularly.

"All property owners must make sure their gas appliances are checked each year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

"Organisations such as local authorities, which own a large number of properties, must have robust management systems in place to monitor safety critical contracts.

"It is unacceptable that members of the public were put at risk by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's failure to take proper measures to protect them."

If you think you’ve suffered injury or illness at the hands of an institution’s or employer’s negligence, then you could be entitled to claim no win no fee compensation with one of our panel of expert injury lawyers. You can call us on Freephone 0800 567 7866, or fill in the contact form to the right to request a free, no obligation call back.

Snow and ice has already hit parts of England and Scotland over the past week or so as the temperatures plummet and further disruption is planned over the coming weeks and months.

Poor weather conditions this time last year saw the transport network in Britain grind to a halt as planes were grounded, rail services were cancelled and driving conditions out on the roads were terrible.

That, according to figures released by The AA, has prompted some drivers to be more proactive in making sure they are ready for if and when bad weather strikes again, which could in turn reduce the likelihood of being involved in a road traffic accident.

New AA Populus Poll data shows that 38% of those asked have done nothing to prepare for the winter weather, compared to 42% at this time last year.

The statistics comparing the 2011 and 2010 findings also highlight a 1% increase in the people buying winter tyres from 3% to 4%, a 3% rise from 4% to 7% in those purchasing all-season tyres and that 3% more have bought snow chains or snow socks. Nearly half of the people (42% in comparison to 39% last year) also now have items such blankets and a shovel in their vehicles, while one in four have invested in a sturdy pair of walking boots.

Councils and local authorities throughout the UK are also well prepared for the onset of poor weather conditions by stocking on grit stocks.

Paul Watters, the head of roads policy at the AA, said: “We know that highway authorities are starting this winter with significantly better grit stocks than the two previous winters and there are also reserve supplies should this winter turn unpleasant.

“We are also more confident that the authorities have more robust winter emergency plans should the worse happen.

“Drivers too are doing their bit and have clearly learnt that being prepared is key – not only by putting winter essentials in the car but also making sure their vehicle is in good mechanical order.”

While some drivers are doing what they can to be properly prepared for the winter weather, road traffic accidents will still inevitably happen on a regular basis the length and breadth of the UK.

Anybody that is involved or has been involved in a road traffic accident or indeed any accident that wasn’t their fault should contact injury solicitors First4Lawyers to see if they could be eligible to make a compensation claim on a no win no fee basis.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found grounds to prosecute the companies after the incident on 20 August 2006, which means the family could have grounds to claim compensation with injury lawyers.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that the 61-year-old Cheshire construction worker had been replacing the lights on the central reservation when the cherry picker's lifting arm failed and sent him plummeting eight metres.

The man landed on the rear of the vehicle, and succumbing to his serious injuries later the same day, he died in hospital leaving a wife, three children and three grandchildren behind.

An investigation into the incident by the HSE and the hearing revealed that neither company employed adequate safety-check systems at any stage throughout the hire of thecherrypicker, even from the point at which it was hired and throughout its hire term.

The HSE’s inquiry also found that the vehicle had been put to work in all weather conditions for nearly ten years, and that it was in need of repair on several separate occasions during its lease period with the companies.

Speaking after the hearing, the case’s investigating inspector at HSE, Dave Guyers, commented: "Both companies had a legal duty to ensure Mr Cole remained safe but their checking and maintenance systems were inadequate and thus allowed him to use a cherry picker that was in a poor condition.

"Heavy usage and a regular repair record demand that checking and maintenance procedures are carried out thoroughly. This is vital with cherry pickers which place users at great risk when working at height.

"All companies must have effective checking and maintenance systems in place and act upon the findings from them. Ageing machinery should be maintained properly and responsibly - not doing so increases the likelihood of this sort of incident."

On 1 December 2011, the first Oxford-based company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Its failure lay in the fact that it failed to ensure the safety of its workers, resulting in the death of the 61-year-old, and the company was thus fined £30,000 and ordered to pay an additional £32,500 in court costs.

The second company also pleaded guilty, this time to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for failing to ensure the employee’s safety, and was ordered to pay identical fines and court costs.

38 people were killed in the UK as a result of a fall between 2010 and 2011, with more than 4,000 suffering serious injuries, with many entitled to claim compensation with the help of no win no fee solicitors.

If you or a member of your family has been injured, or a loved one has suffered a fatality at the hands of company negligence, you could have recourse to claim for no win no fee compensation with guidance from one of our panel of expert injury solicitors.

The man fell off the top of a truck in Lancashire in September of last year as he attempted to remove waste that had become lodged on the roof. He was trying to empty a skip when he noticed the stuck waste and climbed up some metal bars on the front of the truck.

However, the access fixings gave way under his feet and the unnamed man tumbled four metres to the ground, sustaining a broken elbow on his right arm and an injury to his left foot.

Investigation

An investigation into the cause of the workplace accident carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the metal bars on the truck were not designed to be used to climb to the top of the vehicle.

The HSE research also concluded that the waste collection company did not have appropriate health and safety procedures in place to ensure the safe removal of any items of waste that become caught on the top of vehicle when skips are being emptied.

The waste collection firm was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £11,661 in prosecution costs after pleading guilty to Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, which reads: "It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees."

HSE inspector Imran Siddiqui said: "The employee was lucky he wasn't more seriously injured in the fall.

“He could easily have suffered life-changing injuries as a result. Unfortunately, the company wrongly assumed the metal bars on the front of the vehicle could be used as a ladder to climb up to the roof.

“They were not designed to be used in this way and [the waste collection firm] should not have allowed this practice to continue. Instead it should have provided an alternative way for waste to be safely removed."

More than 150 people suffered serious injuries in the workplace in Britain’s recycling industry last year, according to the HSE.

People involved in an accident at work regularly enlist the help of injury solicitors First4Lawyers, the leading no win no fee solicitors.

The unnamed employee was attempting to clean a conveyor belt system in March 2010 when his arm got caught and he was dragged into the mechanism.

The man was left nursing a broken elbow and crush injuries to his left arm and Chester Magistrates' Court heard that his employers should have done more to prevent access to the machinery while in use.

The chemical firm pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, which states: “Every employer shall ensure that measures are taken...which are effective to prevent access to any dangerous part of machinery or to any rotating stock-bar; or to stop the movement of any dangerous part of machinery or rotating stock-bar before any part of a person enters a danger zone.”

Successful legal action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) resulted in the company being fined £10,000 and ordered to pay an addition £6,702.50 in prosecution costs.

Carl Jones, from the HSE, commented: "The worker suffered severe injuries in the incident and he could easily have lost his arm.

“These conveyor belts are extremely powerful and unforgiving. [The chemical firm] should have done more to make sure its employees weren't being put at risk.

“The company has since fitted interlocked guarding around the dangerous parts of the conveyor belt, which automatically cuts the power if it's removed. If this relatively straightforward piece of work had been carried out earlier then the company could have prevented a worker from being badly injured."

Statistics from the HSE show that an average of 31 workers have died as a result of an accident at work annually over the last five years in the manufacturing sector.

An average of more than 4,500 major injuries are also sustained in workplace accidents every year in the manufacturing sector and when things do go wrong, injury solicitors First4Lawyers can help victims to lodge personal injury claims on a no win no fee basis.

If you’ve been involved in an accident and it wasn’t your fault, First4Lawyers are the leading no win no fee solicitors.

Winter is almost upon us and brings with it a trio of weather-related perils that mean Brits are four times more likely to injure themselves whilst out and about.

Personal Injury law specialist First4lawyers sees the number of reported falls due to slippery dead leaves, snow and ice increase dramatically throughout November and December.

November’s the month when dead leaves pose the biggest danger, with the number of people reporting injuries due to slipping over on them more than doubling compared to October. However, as December draws in, it’s ice and snow that are the main causes of trips and falls resulting in injury, with the number of reported cases increasing five-fold.

To help Brits stay safe and avoid nasty falls this winter, First4lawyers has teamed up with Jonathan Drake, a teacher of the Alexander Technique, to put together a series of tips on how to improve walking skills in slippery conditions.

The Alexander Technique is a method that works to change movement habits in everyday activities and is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination.

Adopt these three tips from the technique to avoid injuring yourself on slippery surfaces this winter:

1. Many of us tend to look down when walking outside to avoid uneven surfaces and dangers but this pulls the head and neck forwards and downwards making us top-heavy. Instead, remember to look forwards, scanning the ground as needed, and you’ll be able to better rebalance yourself if you do slip.
2. Press your feet backwards as they touch the ground rather than reaching forwards – this will ensure that even if your foot slips it will slip backwards and your other foot will quickly be in place underneath you so your balance is recovered.
3. Shorten your stride forward and lengthen it behind you – ensure your feet land directly underneath you and not in front.

Michelle Tyler, a solicitor at First4lawyers, said: “The number of injuries sustained from trips and falls on slippery surfaces increases dramatically in November and December, so we’re urging people to take extra care this year.

“Walking around outside in winter can be hazardous, and a simple trip to the shops or even the car can result in serious injury unless you are careful. By adopting the methods from the Alexander Technique you’ll be much better equipped to negotiate difficult conditions.”

First4lawyers is one of the UK’s leading companies that provides marketing and legal services to solicitors specialising in Personal Injury law and represents over 30 law firms across the UK.

Jonathan Drake concluded: “Improving your poise and balance will help you to walk and run much more safely in winter and reduce the likelihood of falling. Start now and it will become habit to look ahead, let your feet land underneath you and press them backwards when they land.”

For further information about First4lawyers please visit www.first4lawyers.com and to find out more about the Alexander Technique go to www.stat.org.uk.

The unfortunate downside to this increased participation is that more people are becoming susceptible to sporting injuries, which means that accident claims for such injuries are also on the rise.

Forced retirement

The latest annual injury audit for top-flight rugby union states that 1.6 injuries per match, on average, were reported last season. Former rugby union player, Thom Evans, was forced to retire at the age of just 24 when he collided with an opposition player in February 2010. As a result of the tackle, Evans’ vertebra was so badly misaligned that he was just one millimetre from paralysis.

A study by Rugby’s Super League sponsors Engage found that a dislocated shoulder is the most common injury sustained in rugby league, followed by ligament damage, dead legs and medial cruciate ligament tears.

Compound fractures

Sport England’s data shows that more than two million people play football in England. Perhaps the most high-profile injury case occurred in April 1996 when Coventry City’s David Busst sustained horrific compound fractures to both the tibia and fibula of his right leg. He required 26 operations and never played football at a competitive level again.

Incidents such as these not only ruin people’s sporting careers, they also leave many unable to continue with their daily lives as normal and some have grounds to seek compensation if the injury is someone else’s fault.

A spokesperson for injury law specialists First4Lawyers said: “The last thing we at First4Lawyers want to do is to deter people from playing sport.

“But there are times when the personal health and wellbeing of an individual is compromised while partaking in sport, either through pure chance, as a result of the reckless actions of others, or when the relevant health and safety regulations are overlooked.

“Anybody who does suffer a sport-related injury or is involved in an accident through no fault of their own should contact us at First4Lawyers to see whether any legal action can be taken.”

Negligence and unsportsmanlike behaviour are the most common causes for personal injury claims in the sporting world. If a player does get seriously injured as a result of negligence or a dangerous challenge, then he or she will have reasonable grounds for a claim if it results in significant trauma and loss of earnings.