By Alex Claridgesittingbourne@thekmgroup.co.uk

A bruised buttock, scratched eye and a stomach scalded by hot water are among the injuries suffered by Swale Council officers over the last 15 months.

A total of 30 injuries to staff have been registered since
January 1, 2009 according to figures released by the authority under freedom of information laws.

Causes of injuries included falling off a set of drawers, scalding from a flask of hot water and dog bites.

One unfortunate worker banged his head and suffered arm and spine injuries after falling on ice.

And then there was a worker who may have scratched an eye when a piece of paper blew into it.

The council, which employs between 360 and 400 people depending on the season, insists it takes the safety of staff seriously.

Spokesman Mark James said: “As a borough council, Swale takes full responsibility in making sure that all staff are safe when they are in the office, out on site visits and working out of the office as many employees do all day.

“The council also ensures that there are fully trained first-aiders and has the required procedures in place for injuries to be recorded.

“Of the 30 work-related injuries recorded as part of this Freedom of Information Act request, most were cuts and bruises caused by slips and trips and this is a small figure given the overall size of the organisation.

“We regularly advise staff about health and safety issues and always try to keep any work-related accidents to a minimum so that staff can go efficiently about their work serving the public.”

Cuts and bruises accounted for half of the 30 injuries. Scalding, six, and strains, five, were the next most common.

Slips and trips were the most common way staff injured themselves.

What do you think? Email sittingbourne@thekmgroup.co.uk or write to Sittingbourne Messenger, 44 High Street, Sheerness, ME12 1NL.