Fatal Injuries for 2006/2007 up 11%
Fatal Injuries Statistics for 2006-2007
241 workers suffered fatal injuries and lost their lives in 2006/07 – up 11% on the previous year’s record low of 217. This was more than in any other year since 2001/02 and the spike of 295. The construction industry fatal injuries statistics were particularly bad, with 77 deaths – up from 60 last year, an increase of 28%.
The HSE has attributed the the increase in fatal injuries to employers & employees failures. Speaking at the launch of the latest statistics at the end of July HSE chief executive, Geoffrey Podger, said: “To have improved on last year’s record low would have required sustained effort from employers and employees, and that hasn’t happened. What we are seeing is a failure to follow established good procedures and practice, not the emergence of new risks.” HSC chair, Sir Bill Callaghan, added: “The HSC and HSE are taking action – the ball is now firmly in industry’s court.”
Other organisations also supported the view. IOSH, the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health, called on “employers, workers and the government to join with health and safety professionals in helping to reverse this worrying situation and prevent further loss of life”. President Lisa Fowlie added: “Employers need to understand that good health and safety is good for business – accidents are costly, not only financially but in terms of lost reputation.” She also called on the government to take action to improve the situation by making public reporting on health and safety mandatory for medium and large firms, and imposing explicit health and safety duties on directors.
EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said the number of fatal injuries was “unacceptable” and that employers now need to “redouble their efforts” to ensure good health and safety practice.
Speaking specifically about construction, health and safety commissioner, John Spanswick, said “We are at a plateau now, where we need to take new action and initiatives to change the culture and behaviour on sites. This will require clear leadership from the top organisations. It is not acceptable to carry on with some of the practices that have developed in the industry.”
All employers have a legal duty to prevent employees from being injured at work. We at Active Safety Associates firmly believe that all accidents and injuries at work are preventable , not just fatal injuries, by the appropriate use of risk management techniques. If you would like more information on how to do this please see our Active Safety Associates Services, Competent Person, Active Safety Management Systems or contact us here.
For more information on fatal injury fatality statistics for 2006/07, click on the link below:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htm
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