08.11.2011

Fall in UK workplace injuries.

Latest figures show the ongoing downward trend for workplace injuries continues but there was a rise in the number of fatalities. For the year to March 2011 Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics show 24,726 major injuries were reported - such as amputations, fractures and burns - to employees, a rate of 99 injuries per 100,000 workers compared with 26,268 in 2009/10.

90,653 other injuries serious enough to keep people off work for four or more days were reported - a rate of 363.1 injuries per 100,000 workers - down from 96,427 the previous year.

171 workers fatally injured up from 147 the previous year. Despite the numbers, the HSE claims Britain continues to have the lowest rate of fatal occupational injuries in Europe as well as one of the lowest levels of work-related ill health.

"The fall in the number of people being injured by work is of course to be welcomed but we did also see an increase in the number of fatalities during the year,” said Judith Hackitt of the HSE. “Britain can be proud that it has one of the best health and safety records in Europe but as the increase in the number of fatalities makes clear we can never let up in our commitment to addressing the serious risks which continue to cause death and injury in workplaces. We all have a responsibility to make sure serious workplace risks are sensibly managed."

The construction (173.2 major injuries per 100,000 employees) and agricultural (221.9 major injuries per 100,000 employees) industries continue to report the highest levels of work-related injuries, with disproportionately high numbers of incidents.