HSE reveals better, but not good enough worker death stats for 2012—2013 03 January 2014

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging plant owners and managers to focus on their legal responsibility to ensure lives are not put at risk, and to make the safety of workers their top priority for 2014.

The appeal comes as new provisional figures show that the number of deaths across the UK has fallen year-on year, with 148 people killed at work, compared to 171 during 2011—12. Also, while more than 20,600 workers suffered a major injury in 2012—13, that represents a 10.8% fall on the previous year.

Nevertheless, the HSE points out that five in every million workers were killed while at work between April 2012 and March 2013.

Highest risk industries include construction, which recorded 39 deaths last year, agriculture with 29 deaths, manufacturing with 20 deaths and waste and recycling with 10 deaths – making up over two-thirds of all workplace deaths in Great Britain during 2012—13.

"The families of those [13] London workers who lost their lives last year had to face Christmas without them, and hundreds of other workers have had their lives changed forever by a major injury," comments Richard Boland, HSE head of operations for London.

"Whilst the number of workplace deaths has decreased nationally, they have increased across the capital, and it serves as a stark reminder of why we need good health and safety in workplaces," he continues.

"I therefore urge employers to spend their time tackling the real dangers that workers face, and to stop worrying about trivial matters or pointless paperwork.

"It's important to remember that while we still have one of the lowest rates of workplace deaths in Europe, one death is still one too many. I would urge businesses to focus on helping to cut the number of deaths in 2014

Brian Tinham

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Health & Safety Executive

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