IOSH concerned by new work-related death stats

5 July 2012

IOSH has reacted with disappointment at new statistics, which show the number of work-related deaths in Britain’s workplaces has remained largely unchanged.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures released today (Thursday 5 July) show 173 workers were killed from April 2011 to March 2012 – a reduction of just two from the previous year.

While any number of lives saved is positive, IOSH is concerned that the statistics don’t reflect the real picture - that thousands of people die from occupational illness each year - making the true cost of work-related injury and ill-health much greater.

IOSH executive director of policy Dr Luise Vassie said: “It’s disappointing to see that figures have largely remained unchanged and even one person who dies simply while making a livelihood is too many. Alarmingly, these figures aren’t representative of the real picture, as they don’t include the thousands of people who have died from work-related illnesses and driving for work.”

The Institution is also concerned that the figures may indicate that employers could be cutting down on health and safety, in a belt tightening exercise to weather the double dip recession.

Luise added: “There is still much work to be done in getting the message through to employers that good health and safety makes good business sense – and bolsters a struggling economy - we think there’s much work to be done. It’s so important that worker protection is given its proper attention, especially during times of austerity when staffing levels can be squeezed and workloads increase. It can play an important part in driving efficiencies, reducing lost time, and sustaining a thriving business.

“These figures show how vital it is that the message of good health and safety is no longer diluted or belittled by dangerous stories pedalled by the media and politicians that aren’t well-founded.”

Statistics showed that the rate of fatal injury has remained the same at 0.6 per 100,000 workers across Great Britain. In England, there were 130 fatal injuries, while in Scotland there were 20 and in Wales, 18. However, the rate of deaths in Wales is 1.4 – almost three times that of England.

Judith Hackitt, HSE Chair, said: “Britain continues to have one of the lowest levels of workplace fatal injuries in Europe, part of a long term downward trend.

“But we must not forget that these are lives cut short, not statistics - every single one of these deaths will have caused terrible grief and anguish for family and friends as well as workmates and colleagues. This is the real tragedy of health and safety failures – lives cut short and loved ones lost.

“We want employers to focus on the real risks that continue to cause death and serious injury. HSE is working very hard to make it easier for people to understand what they need to do and to focus on the real priorities. Protecting people from death and serious injury at work should be at the heart of what we all do.”

Across industry, the construction sector has the highest number of deaths with 49 recorded. There were 33 fatal injuries in agriculture and five fatal injuries to waste and recycling workers.