Half of all fatal work injuries in 2004/05 occurred in the construction and agriculture, forestry and fishing industries, according to a new Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report.
The HSE’s national statistics on work-related injuries show 71 fatal injuries in construction and 42 in agriculture, forestry and fishing.
The overall number of fatal injuries reduced by 7% to 220 and major injuries went down 2.2% to 30,213. Reported injuries lasting more than three days fell by 8% to 120,346, of which 40% were caused by handling, lifting and carrying.
An estimated two million people suffered ill health from what they believe was work related activity, a 2.2% reduction from 2001/02.
Bill Callaghan, chairman of the Health and Safety Commission, said he was pleased with the continued drop in fatal and major injuries in the production industries, especially in construction, but the overall picture was mixed. He said the HSE’s strategy was bearing fruit but called for an even greater focus on safety.
