Workplace deaths increase in 2011 as construction sector contributes to total
The construction sector accounted for a large portion of workplace deaths across Great Britain this year, new figures have suggested.
While 50 people died in the construction industry this year, a total of 171 people were killed across all sectors, up from 147 in 2010, according to the Health and Safety Executive.
Safety boots may have come in useful as the number of major injuries in 2011 surpassed 24,700, with many employees needing three or more days off work to recover.
Principal inspector for the HSE in the south-west Nigel Long pointed out that Great Britain has one of the lowest rates of workplace deaths in Europe.
However, he added: “One death is still one too many. I would urges businesses to focus on helping to cut the number of deaths in 2012.”
He further suggested that firms should tackle “real dangers” that workers face, rather than worrying about trivial risks or pointless paperwork.
The HSE recently warned firms to take care of existing power supplies after an employee suffered psychological damage following a 230 volt electric shock.
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© Adfero Ltd
Friday 30 December 2011
