BLACKPOOL is the county's workplace injury blackspot, according to a recent government report.

In a survey by the Health and Safety Commission, of 762 injuries reported in Lancashire, 251 and the county's only death occurred in Blackpool.

The main causes of injury are manual handling, trips, falls and workplace violence.

Council chiefs fear more workers at the resort's hotels and shops could face serious injury or even death unless owners become more aware of safety hazards.

And they warned companies they could face serious action if they failed to deal with such hazards.

Councillor Craig Matthews of Blackpool Community Services said: "Businesses could be closed down and bosses sent to prison for accidents caused by health and safety hazards they have failed to deal with.

"Our aim is not to get heavy handed but to help them deal with problems before it is too late."

He added that when the town's health and safety officers found problems they tried to work with owners to avoid tragedies using legal action as a last resort.

The report praised the council for its initiatives with hairdressers, care homes, child care establishments and amusement arcades.

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