HEALTH AND SAFETY
EXECUTIVE News Release (E053:08) issued by COI News Distribution
Service. 29 October 2008
New statistics
published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today reveal a
reduction in the numbers of people killed, injured or made ill by
work during 2007/08. The statistics can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/hssoct08.htm
Reported major injuries at work fell by around 9% since the
start of the decade and this trend continues. Work-related
ill-health has also fallen across the period, although the rate of
improvement here is not as great as hoped. Workplace deaths also
fell by around 5% to 229. Across the EU, Great Britain (GB) has
one of the lowest rates of work-related fatalities and injuries.
Judith Hackitt, Chair of the HSE said:
"Any improvement in the number of people being injured or
made ill by work must be welcomed. However, there is a need for a
step change. Of particular concern are the agriculture,
construction and waste and recycling industries. I am also
concerned that slips and trips - which can have an enormous impact
on peoples' lives - are still not reducing. HSE is developing
a new strategy that seeks to renew commitment from all those
involved in health and safety to tackle these challenges and more.
"In the difficult and uncertain months ahead I urge employers
not to take their eyes off the ball. Good business management will
be vital and good health and safety management is an integral part
of that. Health and safety contributes positively to
competitiveness and should not be sacrificed in times of financial pressure."
The statistics for 2007/08 show:
Ill health
* 2.1 million people were suffering from work related illnesses Injuries
* Over 136,000 workers suffered injuries such as amputations,
burns or fractures.
Working days lost
* 34 million working days were lost in GB due to injury and
ill-health Fatalities
* 229 people were killed at work
Enforcement
* 1028 offences were prosecuted by HSE
* 354 offences were prosecuted by local authorities
Notes to Editors
1. The reporting of health and safety incidents at work is a
statutory requirement, set out under the Reporting of Injuries,
Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR). A
reportable incident includes: a death or major injury; any
accident which does not result in major injury, but the injured
person still has to take four or more days off their normal work
to recover; a work-related disease; a member of the public being
injured as a result of work-related activity and taken to hospital
for treatment; or a dangerous occurrence (which does not result in
a serious injury, but could have done).
2. More information about HSE can be found at: http://www.hse.gov.uk
3. HSE publishes a full range of workplace health and safety
statistics. These can be viewed at: hse.gov.uk/statistics/index.htm
Public enquiries
HSE's InfoLine 0845
3450055
Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG