Fatal injuries among British workers fell by 15% in 2001/2002 – but the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) says the figures are still not acceptable.
There have been 249 deaths this year compared with 292 in 2000/2001 – 79 of them in the construction industry and 39 in agriculture.
The figures are still 13% higher than two years ago and HSC chairman Bill Callaghan said the levels were unacceptable. He added: “Every death is one too many.”
He is calling for partnership between employers, workers, trade unions and safety representatives and wants to focus on three key areas: risk assessment; the inclusion of health and safety performance in annual reports; and adherence to HSC guidance on directors’ duties.
