Workplace fatalities on the increase, say HSE

A report published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) indicates a 34% increase in deaths among British workers. 275 people died at work between April 2000 and March 2001 and 152,628 workers were injured. Deaths in the construction industry were the most common, reaching a ten-year high: over 100 people died in the industry last year, representing six per every 100,000.

Commenting on the figures, HSE Chairman Bill Callaghan said: "We are greatly concerned at the increase in fatalities during 2000/01 - which goes against the downward trend of recent years - and are taking firm action to encourage sustainable improvement... most of these fatalities were preventable. Every work-related death is one too many and each represents a personal tragedy. The primary responsibility for the health and safety of workers remains with employers. There is absolutely no excuse for them to ignore their fundamental duty to take all reasonable steps to safeguard workers' lives.

John Monks, General Secretary of the TUC, said: "Britain's bosses need to take responsibility for this alarming rise in the toll of deaths at work. The need for a new Health and Safety at Work Act, with more inspectors and a new law against corporate killing, could not be starker."

The HSE's European Week for Safety and Health (beginning 15 October) is focused this year on preventing workplace accidents.

'Action Packs' for the health and safety week are available from the HSE office, tel. 0845 7181819
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