HSC PUBLISHES STATISTICS OF FATAL INJURIES 2005/2006
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health & Safety Commission (HSC) today publishes the latest detailed statistics on workplace fatal injuries in 2005/06 – Statistics of Fatal Injuries 2005/2006. The document can be found on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overpic.htm
FATAL INJURIES TO WORKERS
Of the 212 fatal injuries, 92 (43%) occurred in the two industries of construction (59) and agriculture, forestry and fishing (33).
Falling from a height continues to be the most common kind of accident, accounting for 22% of fatal injuries to workers in 2005/06. The number of fatal injuries of this kind decreased in 2005/06 from 53 to 46, the lowest on record, and in particular falls from over 2 metres have reduced to 26, from an average of 48 per year over the past five years. Being struck by a moving vehicle, and being struck by a moving or falling object, are the next most common kinds of fatal injury.
In 2003, the most recent year for which comparable data are available, the rate of fatal injury to workers in Great Britain was the lowest of European member states.
INDUSTRIES
In agriculture, the number of fatal injuries to workers decreased to 33 in 2005/06 from 42 in 2004/05. The rate of fatal injury to workers also decreased from 10.4 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers in 2004/05 to 8.1 in 2005/06, although this rate has fluctuated in recent years with no discernible trend.
In construction in 2005/06, there were 59 fatal injuries to workers, compared to 69 in the previous year, a reduction of 14%. The rate of fatal injury to construction workers fell by a similar proportion, to 3.0 per 100,000 workers from 3.5, and continuing the downward trend of recent years. This is now the lowest level on record.
In manufacturing, the number of fatal injuries to workers increased in 2005/06, from 43 to 45. The rate also increased, from 1.3 to 1.4 per 100,000. The injury rate has fluctuated in recent years, with no overall trend.
In the large services sector, both the number and rate of fatal injury increased slightly in 2005/06, when compared to the previous year. There were 69 fatalities in 2005/06 compared to 67, with corresponding injury rates of 0.29 and 0.28. Of the 69 deaths in 2005/06, 16 occurred in land transport; 8 in retail trade; 7 in sewage & refusal disposal activities and 6 in the sale, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles. The services sector comprises a wide range of activities, and numbers of fatal injuries fluctuate year-on-year in many industries.
In the extractive and utility supply industries, fatal injuries increased from 2 in 2004/05 to 6 in 2005/06. Rates of injury also increased, from 1.2 to 3.6. However, yearly comparisons can fluctuate due to the relatively small numbers of fatalities and employment involved.
FATAL INJURIES TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
The provisional number of members of the public fatally injured in 2005/06 was 384, of which 254 resulted from acts of suicide or trespass on railways. Comparable figures for 2004/05 were 370 and 253 respectively.
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LEADS ON CDM GUIDANCE
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
An industry led steering group is leading on creating guidance documents to support the revised Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM), due to come into force in April 2007. The group has been set up by the Health and Safety Commission’s Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC).
The steering group has been appointed by CONIAC and its members are from a wide cross section of the industry. Kevin Fear, Head of Health, Safety and Environment at Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Construction Skills is chairing the working group – bringing a pan-industry perspective to the project.
Kevin Fear said:
“Our aim is to co-ordinate industry guidance to ensure that clear and helpful advice is given on the application of CDM, explaining to employers and individuals what they have to do, how they work within the project team and setting out the benefits from getting it right. Each member of the steering group is responsible for consulting with and pulling together the initial draft of the guidance for key duty-holders, which come from their sector of industry. This will then be consolidated and finalised by the group which will then pass the guidance to CONIAC for sign off.”
“We intend to make the guidance available to industry from January 2007. It will link in with the Approved Code of Practice, also to be published at this time, and the revised CDM Regulations which will come into force on 6 April 2007.”
The steering group welcomes the input of all sections of the industry and particularly encourages other bodies involved in developing guidance to submit proposals to the CONIAC steering group. Anyone wishing to contribute should contact the Chair, Kevin Fear (kevin.fear@citb.co.uk 01485 577451) or the secretary Stephanie Rafferty (stephanie.rafferty@hse.gsi.gov.uk 020 7717 2163) in the first instance.
The following are represented on the working group: Association for Project Safety; Construction Clients Group; Construction Confederation; Construction Skills; Department of Trade and Industry; Federation of Master Builders; Health and Safety Executive, Home Builders Federation; Institution for Civil Engineers; Institution of Occupational Health and Safety; Institution of Structural Engineers; National Association of Shopfitters; National Specialist Contractors Council; Royal Institute of British Architects; Strategic Forum for Construction; and Union of Construction Allied Trades and Technicians.
HSE PUBLISHES FULL RESULTS OF WORK-RELATED ILLNESS SURVEY
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The latest detailed analysis of information on work-related ill health has been published today by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Self-reported work-related illness in 2004/05: Results from the Labour Force Survey , generally confirms patterns which have emerged from previous Self-reported Work-related Illness (SWI) surveys in 1990, 1995, 1998/99, 2001/02 and 2003/04. The main headline figures from this survey were published in November 2005, and full results are now presented in this report.
Trends since 2001/02 (previously released)
The estimated prevalence(long standing as well as new cases) rate of work-related illness in 2004/05 was lower than in 2003/04 and 2001/02.
For people working in the last 12 months, the estimated incidence (new cases) rate of work-related illness in 2004/05 was of a similar order to the rate in 2003/04, but lower than in 2001/02.
The estimated average number of annual working days lostper workerdue to work-related illness in 2004/05 was of a similar order to the rate in 2003/04, but lower than in 2001/02.
Main findings for 2004/05 (previously released)
The headline figures previously released indicated that the estimated prevalenceof self-reported work-related illness in 2004/05 was 2.0 million, equating to 4.7% of people ever employed. An estimated 29% of this total, 0.6 million people ever employed were incident cases. Among people employed in the last 12 months, this equates to an estimated incidence rate of 1.8%.
The estimated number of working days lostdue to work-related illness during the 12 month period was 28.4 million. On average, each person suffering took an estimated 23 days off work in that 12 month period. Averaged across the working population this represents an annual loss of 1.2 daysper worker.
Musculoskeletal disorders followed by stress, depression or anxiety were by far the most commonly reported type of work-related illnesses with corresponding prevalence estimates of 1.0 million and 0.5 million for people ever employed. The ranking was reversed for incidentcases, with an estimate of 206 thousand for musculoskeletal disorders and 245 thousand for stress, depression or anxiety. Furthermore, although the estimated annual working days lost were of a similar order for the two conditions, the average annual days lost per case was higher for stress, depression or anxiety (31 days) than for musculoskeletal disorders (20 days).
PREVALENCE, INCIDENCE AND RATES - NOTE ON DEFINITIONS
The prevalence of an illness is the number of individuals suffering from it at a given point in time (or period of time). In the SWI surveys, the prevalence is the count of people who have suffered from the reported illness in the 12 months prior to their interview. Prevalent cases may be long-standing, and have made their first appearance years ago. The incidence of an illness counts the number of new appearances of illness in a given period. In the SWI surveys, incidence is the number of cases where the affected person reported that they were “first aware” of the condition within the 12 months preceding their interview. Prevalence can be thought of as a “stock” of illness, incidence as a “flow” of new cases. Incidence rates are calculated on the population working in the last 12 months. Unless otherwise stated, prevalence rates are also calculated on the basis of the population working in the last 12 months, but for overall totals the rate is calculated using the population ever employed (and this will be explicitly stated in the text).
FIRST-RELEASE DATA
This report provides a wealth of detailed information relating to 2004/05 for example:
Males carried a higher estimated prevalence rate (for people who have ever worked) of musculoskeletal disorders (2.8%) than females (1.9%), whilst the opposite was true for stress, depression or anxiety (1.3% of females and 1.1% of males). The gender-specific incidence rates were similar for musculoskeletal disorders (0.6% of males and 0.7% of females), but for stress, depression or anxiety the rate for females (1.0%) was higher than for males (0.6%).
Occupations with above average work-related illness prevalence rates (for people employed in the last 12 months) included health and social welfare associate professionals (with an estimated rate of around 6.8%), teaching and research professionals (5.0%) and skilled construction and building trades (4.7%). Two of these occupational groups (health and social welfare associate professionals and teaching and research professionals) also carried above average incidence rates.
Furthermore, health and social welfare associate professionals, along with protective service occupations, carried above average annual days lost per worker.
Industries with above average work-related prevalence rates included: health and social work (with an estimated rate of around 4.8%) and public administration and defence (4.3%). These industry groups also carried above average estimated incidence rates and above average days lost per worker.
Four broad occupational groups carried the highest prevalence rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and accounted for around 60% of the overall estimated prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders: skilled trades occupations (with an estimated rate of 2.7%); process, plant and machine operatives (2.5%); personal service occupations (2.1%) and associate professional and technical occupations (1.9%).
In line with these occupational groups, industries carrying above average prevalence rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were construction (2.5%) and health and social work (2.2%).
Occupations carrying above average estimated prevalence rates of work-related stress, depression or anxiety were: teaching and research professionals (with an estimated rate of around 3.0%), health and social welfare associate professionals (2.0%) and corporate managers (1.7%). These occupational groups together accounted for around one third of the estimated prevalent cases of self-reported work-related stress, depression or anxiety.
Industry groups associated with above average estimated prevalence rates of work-related stress, depression or anxiety largely reflected this occupational distribution, showing estimated rates of around 2% in public administration and defence; education; financial intermediation; and health and social work.
TWO MILLION BRITISH WORKERS SUFFERING ILL HEALTH
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
A report published recently by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) shows that an estimated two million British workers suffer ill health, which they believe was caused or made worse by work.
The Self reported Work-related Illness survey 2004/2005 indicates that of the two million around 600,000 workers were affected by the illness for the first time in the last year. These figures equated to around 28 million working days lost to the British economy every year.
HSE Chief Executive Geoffrey Podger said, “28 million days is a huge loss to the British economy. HSE is working with employers, trades unions and other government departments to bring this down. In the past year we have launched Workplace Health Connect and the Government more widely launched it’s Health Work and Well Being strategy to keep British workers healthy and in work.”
Key cases of ill health include:
Musculoskeletal Disorder’s (MSD’s) are the biggest cause of work-related ill health, around one million people suffering MSD’s that they believe was caused or made worse by work
Stress is the next biggest cause of occupational ill health, around half a million people estimated to be suffering work related stress
In the past 12 months the trend appears to have reversed:
Around 246,000 new cases of work related stress
Around 206,000 new case of MSD’s
Above average rates for work related illness included health and social welfare, teaching and research professionals and skilled construction and building trades.
HSC ANNOUNCES PROPOSALS FOR WORK AT HEIGHT AMENDMENT REGULATIONS CONSULTATION
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
On the 1st August, the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) launches a 13-week consultation on a proposal to amend the current Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) to include those who are paid to lead or train climbing and caving activities in the adventure activity sector.
The proposed amendments apply only to people working in the sector and do not affect sport or leisure climbing or caving.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has worked closely with the adventure activity sector to produce sector specific guidance to assist those affected by the proposed changes. The guidance and draft regulation amendments are contained in the consultation document, “Proposal for Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations” (CD204), which can be downloaded from www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd204.htm
Comments on the consultation should be sent to Gloria Birchall, Falls Programme, HSE, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London, SE1 9HS. (wah.adventure-manager@consultations.hse.gov.uk) to arrive no later than 31 October 2006.
HSC CONSULTS ON PROPOSALS FOR NEW WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
On 4 July the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) published a Consultation Document welcoming comments on proposals to introduce new and revised Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs).
Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) are concentrations of hazardous substances in the air, approved by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC). Employers have a responsibility to ensure that these limits are not exceeded in order to protect the health of workers.
The HSC’s proposals are significant in the implementation of the 2nd Directive on Indicative Occupational Exposure Limit Values (IOELVs) (2006/15/EC), adopted in February by the European Commission.
The directive lists 33 substances with exposure limits, for which Member States must introduce a domestic occupational exposure limit by September 2007. For many of the 33 substances, a comparable Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) already exists in Great Britain and has been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The Consultation document proposes to introduce WELs for 7 substances where one does not currently exist and reduce the limit of the WELs for13 substances. It is proposed that the new and revised WELs will be introduced on 6 April 2007.
HSE GRANTS DECOMMISSIONING CONSENT AT DUNGENESS A POWER STATION
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
Following an application by the licensee, Magnox Electric Limited, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has granted consent for a decommissioning project at Dungeness A power station in Kent.
HSE’s decision follows extensive consultation and takes into account factors such as the adequacy of information provided by Magnox Electric Ltd, the conclusion that environmental benefits will far outweigh any detriments and the prediction there will be no significant effects on other countries.
As required by law, HSE has published a report describing the reasons and considerations behind its decision, the conditions attached to the consent and the measures Magnox Electric Ltd will take to control any significant environmental effects. It also provides information on the legal framework for nuclear safety, in particular the regulations under which the consent was granted.
HSC APPROVES REVISED ASBESTOS REGULATIONS
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has today informed Ministers that it will recommend approval of revised asbestos regulations. The draft Control of Asbestos Regulations have been the subject of extensive consultation and will strengthen overall worker protection by reducing exposure limits and introducing detailed mandatory training for work with asbestos. They will also simplify the regulatory regime and implement revisions to the EU Asbestos Worker Protection Directive.
The new Regulations introduce a lower single control limit of 0.1 fibres per cm3 of air for work with all types of asbestos and replace three existing sets of Regulations. They also include practical guidelines for the determination of “sporadic and low intensity exposure”, as required by the EU Directive. The Commission also approved two Approved Codes of Practice which provide guidance on compliance with the Regulations.
Under the new Regulations, work with textured decorative coatings containing asbestos (TCs) will be removed from the licensing regime as research shows that the levels of exposure to asbestos fibres from such work are low. The Commission had previously considered new research on TCs and, at its meeting on 4 July 2006, evidence of the relative risks of exposure from different asbestos materials.
At its meeting on 25 July the Commission noted that although there were concerns from some stakeholders about the removal of TCs from the licensing regime, it believes that, overall, the proposed Regulations significantly tighten the controls on working with asbestos materials. The Commission is assured that there will be adequate enforcement of the new regime and has asked the Health and Safety Executive to monitor implementation of the Regulations and to bring any concerns about TCs to its attention.
The Commission will shortly be submitting full details of both the proposed Regulations and the accompanying ACoPs to Ministers for approval. Timing is a matter for Ministers and Parliament but HSC aims to have the Regulations in place as soon as possible before the end of the year.
HSE GUIDANCE TO HELP SHIFTWORKERS RUN LIKE CLOCKWORK
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
Raising awareness of the health and safety risks of shift work and suggesting sensible measures employers, safety representatives and employees can use to reduce the negative impact of shift work is the aim of a new publication from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
More than 3.5million people in the UK work shifts, across a variety of sectors including public services and heavy industry. Poorly designed shift-working arrangements and long working hours that do not balance the demands of work with time for rest and recovery can result in fatigue, accidents, injuries and ill health.
Drawing together advice and best practice from a range of sources, “ Managing Shift Work: Health and Safety Guidance” explains employers' legal duties and the risks associated with shiftwork and provides advice on risk assessment, design of shift work schedules and the shift-work environment.
“It is important not to underestimate the risks of shift work. If shift workers are fatigued, their performance will be affected,” said Trevor Shaw, Head of HSE’s Human Factors Corporate Topic Group: “ As a result they may make more errors, which can lead to accidents and injuries. This guidance offers a wealth of practical help and advice to businesses on how to manage those risks.”
These guidelines are general, and cover a wide range of factors that may or may not be relevant to particular industry sectors. Therefore it is necessary to use common sense when applying them. Employers will also need to balance the good practice guidelines with the operational concerns of their businesses.
“Managing shift work: Health and Safety Guidance” is a priced publication available from HSE books at £9.95. HSE priced and free publications are available by mail order from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA. Tel: 01787 881165; Fax: 01787 313995.
COMPANY FINED FOLLOWING INJURY AT WEMBLEY STADIUM
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
Mr Ian Goom, trading as Aztec Screeding, of Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire has been fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £3,028 costs at the City of London Magistrates Court. The prosecution, brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), followed its investigation into an incident in which a construction worker’s fingers were partially amputated.
Speaking after the case, investigating inspector Simon Hester said: “The risks associated employing young people are well known, managers of young persons should take into account their inexperience and possible lack of awareness in assessing potential dangers. Had Mr Goom ensured the screed pump on site was properly maintained, that the manufacturers operating instructions were followed and that his employee was adequately supervised, the accident involving Mr Haywood would not have happened.”
Mr Robert Haywood, 18 at the time of the incident, also of Chalfont St Peter, was involved in work to lay concrete flooring at Wembley National Stadium using a screed pump; a machine that first mixes the cement and then under high pressure pumps the cement through a pipe to the area being worked on. On his fourth day at work on the site, 14 December 2004, a safety grill, designed to prevent access to the mixing paddles inside the machine, had been removed and a safety interlock switch had been overridden. Whilst emptying a bag of cement into the mixing chamber of the pump the young employees' left hand was dragged into the machine. Three of his fingers were crushed requiring partial amputation down to his first knuckle. Mr Goom pleaded guilty to breaching the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Regulation 11 in that he did not ensure measures had been taken to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery.
CPS PROSECUTION OF THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE: STATEMENT FROM THE HSE
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
Following an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Jean Charles de Menezes, the Crown Prosecution Office (CPS) has made it known that it intends to prosecute the Office of Commissioner of Police for an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Contrary to reports in some of the media, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) took no part in the investigation into Mr de Menezes's death. Accordingly the HSE is in no position to comment on these proceedings. The decision to prosecute for alleged health and safety offences was reached by the CPS and the case remains a matter entirely for its lawyers. The HSE does not expect to be involved in the conduct of those proceedings.
STATEMENT OF FORTHCOMING REGULATIONS IN 2006/7
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is committed to helping business and other stakeholders adapt to changes in occupational health and safety law and practice. In February 2005, HSE decided to implement changes that arise from within the UK on only two dates each year. We have extended this to legislation arising from Europe, wherever it is in our control to do so. This statement lists the regulations that commence during 2006/7. We will update it every six months, covering a rolling 12-month period.
The two ‘Common Commencement Dates’ are:
6 April (the start of the tax year); and
1 October
By harmonising commencement dates we hope that those affected (ie businesses, employee representatives and individuals) will be more aware of forthcoming changes and better able to plan for and implement new measures effectively.
The dates provided in this statement are correct at the time of publication. However, commencement dates could change following consultation with stakeholders or consideration by the Health and Safety Commission and Ministers.
This statement details changes to occupational health and safety law and practice that are due to commence over the next twelve months. It has four sections:
Section A details changes that are due to commence on 1 October 2006;
Section B details changes that are due to commence on 6 April 2007;
Section C details changes to domestic regulations that impact on a specific business sector only and where alignment with either of the above commencement dates would be of no benefit to that sector. There are none in this statement;
Section D details regulations arising from Europe, where it has not been possible to align the coming into force date with either of the two common commencements. HSE does nothave full control of the commencement date for regulations arising from Europe.
Further information on occupational health and safety laws and the supporting framework is available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/index.htm.
The Coal Mines (Inhalable Dust) Regulations were listed in HSE’s previous statement as commencing on 1 October 2006. Due to a delay in the approval and subsequent manufacture of sampling equipment that is essential to meet the requirements of the regulations, the coming-into-force date has been deferred to 1 October 2007.
SAFER COMMUNITIES
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
This is initiative to make sustainable improvements in Safety and Health, by working in partnership with organisations and people such as: LA /HSE, local businesses, employer/employee organisations, emergency services, local safety groups, the working community and those that govern the community.
A 'health and safety town' week will be held, in a dedicated location which includes partners working together to promote safety and health in the workplace and community.
11 Authorities have pledged their commitment to the programme which commenced in June 2006 in Blyth Valley, closely followed by Driffield in East Riding in July.
We believe that the LA and other partners will derive far more benefit from this initiative in spreading the word and driving forward the Fit for Work, Fit for Life, Fit for Tomorrow (FIT 3) targets of the Health and Safety Commission for 2006-07.
A regional university will be engaged for evaluation purposes on the first event this year starting with Blyth.
Objectives of safer communities
Working in partnership with elected members and others to establish a programme for the campaign.
Encouraging key stakeholders to become involved in promoting a healthier and safer culture in all workplaces by:
Providing appropriate sources of information on the health and safety issues that are most relevant to the community.
Assisting employers and employees to comply with their legal obligations relating to workplace safety, health and welfare.
Promoting and sharing best practices in relation to occupational health and safety management.
HEALTH AND SAFETY BEST PRACTICE EXCHANGE
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The BSC ran its first Health and Safety Best Practice Exchange in January and achieved a resounding 93% success rate from attendees. In response to such a positive reception, the Northwest is set to host to the second Best Practice Exchange event on 5 September, which will again be supported and attended by various senior members of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Delegates benefit from the wide range of sessions available to them by tailor making their own schedule. Organised discussion groups form the main activity of the day, along with:
Practical workshops,
One to one meetings,
Case study presentations,
Demonstrations and
Valuable networking opportunities.
Highlights of the coming event include:
A presentation on Corporate Killing from a legal perspective,
A presentation on health and wellness culture from event hosts adidas,
The opportunity to attend taster sessions for the BSC’s new suite of Level 2 Risk Assessment courses and
A demonstration on the free SafetyNetwork service.
The opportunity to have some personal wellness checks and health / lifestyle advice themselves.
David Ballard, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, says of the event, “The British Safety Council’s members have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we are very pleased to offer a structured and effective means of sharing that knowledge. Moreover, it is hoped that by allowing safety professionals to talk honestly and openly with each other, workplaces industry-wide will become safer places to be”.
For further information visit the Safety Exchange website at: www.safety-exchange.co.uk or call the British Safety Council: 020 8600 5571.
FATAL INJURIES TO BRITISH WORKERS AT RECORD LEVELS
Posted Monday, August 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) today published the annual fatal injury statistics showing the lowest fatal injury number on record. In 2005/2006 212 people were fatally injured, a reduction from 223 in 2004/2005. The rate is also the lowest on record, at a rate of 0.71 fatalities per 100,000 workers.
The full report can be viewed at: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/fatl0506.pdf
Bill Callaghan, Chair of HSC said, “ The figures are very encouraging but more needs to be done. There are still too many people killed at work every year, and quite often simple, inexpensive measures could have prevented the tragic loss of life. The figures show that the Commission’s strategy is working. This is based on enforcement, information and advice, regulation and persuasion and working in partnership with industry and trade unions. The construction industry is an example where all parties have worked closely together over a number of years and achieved impressive results. “
The figures published today also contain a comparison across Europe, which shows Great Britain as having the lowest fatal injury rate in Europe, a rate of 1.1 worker per 100,000.
Falls from height remain the most common cause of fatal injury, with 46 workers being killed following a fall compared to 53 workers killed in 2004/2005. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently run a campaign warning of the dangers of working at height in a bid to further raise awareness of the dangers posed by working at height and try and reduce this figure still further.
Two industries, construction and agriculture account for just under half of all fatal injuries, however, both industries saw sizeable reductions in the number and rate of fatalities. In construction there was a 14% drop in the number of fatal injuries resulting in the lowest rate on record and in agriculture there was a reduction of 21% to the lowest rate since 1999/2000.