Workplace fatalities rise sharply in 2010/11 29 June 2011

Workplace fatalities have risen sharply during 2010/11, according to the HSE's workplace fatal injury statistics, published today (29 June 2011).

HSE notes that the underlying trend remains downward – with the number of deaths, at 171, still lower than the five-year average – but concedes that there is cause for concern.

First, the number of workplace deaths rose from 147 in 2009/10 to 171, but secondly, there was also a significant increase in the rate of fatal injuries per 100,000 workers – up from 0.5 in 2009/10 to 0.6 in 2010/11.

Most of the increases were recorded in the construction, manufacturing and service sectors – with manufacturing sector deaths increasing from 24 to 27.

"Today's announcement brings home in graphic terms the consequences of not effectively managing workplace hazards," observes Julie Nerney, chief executive of the British Safety Council.

"Had [a] common sense and logical course of action been taken in managing workplace hazards, it is quite possible that those 171 workers would still be alive and going home to their families at the end of the working day," she adds.

"We will be re-doubling efforts to work with [our members] to build competence and spread good practice to those organisations in those sectors struggling to be compliant."

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
British Safety Council
Health & Safety Executive

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