New Health and Safety Executive figures released today
The number of workers being killed in accidents at work has fallen to its lowest ever level, according to new figures released by the Health and safety Executive for the period between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010. The provisional statistics released by the HSE for 2009/2010 show that 151 people lost their lives whilst at work. This compares with 178 deaths in 2008/2009 and an average for the last 5 years of 220 deaths per year.
Several of Britain’s most dangerous industries saw the rate of fatal accidents decrease over the last year. In the construction industry 41 workers lost their lives in the last year, down from 52 in 2008/2009 and also down from a five year average of 66. In addition, 42 service workers died in accidents at work last year, down from a five year average of 72 deaths a year and there was also a fall in the number of fatalities amongst workers in manufacturing jobs from 33 deaths in 2008/2009 to 24 deaths last year.
In comments made about the release of the figures in a press release on the HSE website, the Chair, Judith Hackitt said:
“It’s really very encouraging to see a further reduction in workplace fatalities in the past year. This is performance which owes much to good practice, leadership and employee engagement. No doubt the recession has resulted in lower levels of activity in some sectors and a decrease in the numbers of new inexperienced recruits has also contributed to this fall in fatalities.
“We should also remember that 151 families are mourning the loss of someone who last year went out to work and never came home. Being one of the best health and safety performers in the world means continuing to strive to drive these numbers down further – not getting complacent about what we’ve collectively achieved and recognising the new challenges as we emerge from the recession.
“As with all health and safety statistics, today’s announcement is a combination of encouraging news about improvement but also a salutary reminder of the tragedies of lives lost at work.”
However not all industries showed declines in the number of fatal accidents during the last year. Agriculture, already the most dangerous industry in terms of fatalities, showed a substantial increase from 25 deaths in 2008/2009 to 38 deaths in the last year. Commenting on the figures from the agriculture industry, Ms Hackitt went on to say:
“We need the agriculture industry to recognise that it can address the problem and learn the lessons from these sectors. Improvements can be achieved even in any industry sector with leadership and by focusing on the priority issues.”
The new figures show that compared with the latest data available for the four other leading industrial nations in Europe – Germany, France, Spain and Italy – Great Britain has, for more than the last six years, had the lowest rate of fatal injuries.”
Fatal workplace accident compensation claims
Losing a family member in an accident at work where they were not to blame is a distressing and upsetting experience for anyone to endure. Here at Camps Solicitors our expert workplace accident solicitors will handle these cases with compassion, sensitivity and respect. Our legal teams can help you and your family to recover accident at work compensation for the loss of your loved one that might help to ensure you are not left in a bad financial situation after their death.
If you would like to find out more about making a fatal accident claim on behalf of a family member who was killed whilst at work, contact Camps Solicitors for a free and confidential discussion of your case.
Call 0800 092 8586
Speak to one of our claims advisors about your claim.
