03-08-2007
Workplace deaths rise by 11%
According to new information from the Health and Safety Commission, 241 employees died at work in 2006, an increase on the 217 figure from 2005.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the construction industry suffered the greatest number of fatal injuries, accounting for 31% of the total deaths. Other areas with high rates were the agricultural and waste industries.
Statistics released by the Health and Safety Commission have shown that 241 employees died at work last year, a rise from 217 in the previous 12 months.
Government budget cuts at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) could be affecting the figures.
Brendan Barber, the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) called for better vigilance from regulators to ensure that employers are implementing stringent safety measures and following correct procedures.
He said: “Making employers more accountable when things go wrong and increasing the likelihood of a visit from a safety inspector would make a real difference. But with employers only likely to get a visit from a safety inspector once every 11- 20 years, it's still far too easy for them to risk the safety of their workers without fear of getting caught.”
Sir Bill Callaghan, Health and Safety Commission Char, said: “It is disappointing to see that the overall number of deaths has risen. We have worked hard with industry and trade unions over the past few years to bring the number down. Behind every one of these numbers was a man or a woman, with a life, friends and family.”
Employers should ensure that in addition to the correct health and safety measures, they take out the right insurance. Employer’s Liability Insurance is compulsory by law.
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