THOUSANDS of injuries have been recorded at council-run buildings across Glasgow.
Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed that 8,310 staff, school pupils and members of the public have been hurt in the past six years.
Injuries included animal bites, an electric shock and a member of the public was crushed at a school.
There were dozens of reports of 'horseplay' leading to injuries in schools.
Since 2016, 157 people have been taken to hospital after sustaining injuries on Glasgow City Council property.
Local authority bosses have confirmed that all staff are trained to identify and deal with risks.
But leading law firm, Thompsons Solicitors, who have represented council workers in the city, claimed the statistics were unsurprising.
Laura Connor, a partner at the company, said: “These are very interesting but not surprising figures and show that workplace accidents occur regularly, some sadly with very serious consequences.
“We see far too many cases involving dedicated workers being injured through no fault of their own.
“Glasgow City Council, like all Scottish local authorities, must make sure that health and safety regulations are adhered to so that all their employees come home from work safe and sound.
“If someone has been involved in an accident they should speak to their trade union to get the best possible advice, including exploring any legal options.”
The highest number of injuries were sustained in 2015 when there were 1,579 but that dropped to 1,295 last year – the lowest since 2012.
One member of staff was bitten by an animal at Victoria Park Fossil Grove, which resulted in an injury that lasted more than three days.
A member of the public was hospitalised after a ‘non-violent collision’ with other people at the Clyde Place Assessment Centre for homeless men.
And an employee suffered a vibration-related injury at Exchange House, on Royal Exchange Square.
At Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre, one person sustained a ‘minor injury’ after coming into contact with a biological agent in 2016. Another person was hurt after receiving an electric shock at the same location.
In the same year, a member of the public was taken to hospital after being crushed at Springburn Academy.
There were dozens of incidents where ‘horseplay’ led to injuries at schools across the city. And in buildings throughout the council estate, people were injured after coming into contact with sharp objects or machinery.
A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: “We would expect both employees and members of the public to take due care and attention when in our buildings and follow all the normal health and safety guidance.
“All council staff will receive safety training – and frequent refresher training – and the appropriate safety equipment where necessary to carry out their roles and enable them to mitigate any potential risks.
“Where accidents do occur, we will, of course, offer any support to the member of the public or employee in the most appropriate way.
“Due process will also be carried out and any health and safety investigation, when relevant, carried out in the normal way.”
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