Decrease in Deaths at Work
Dated: 28/12/2009
Deaths at work in 2008/2009 were 180 compared to 233 the previous year. In addition, they are below the average for the previous 5 years. See: http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htm
A breakdown of the figures continue to show Construction deaths as markedly high compared to other work types, but also represent the most significant decrease. Worker fatalities by main industry were:
- Agriculture - 26 fatal injuries in 2008/09 with a corresponding rate of 5.7 deaths per 100 000 workers. This compares to a rate of 9.9 when an average of the previous five years is examined.
- Construction - 53 fatal injuries, with a rate of 2.4 deaths per 100 000 workers. An average of the previous five years shows a rate of 3.4. There is an overall downward trend in the rate of fatal injury to workers in this sector.
- Manufacturing - 32 deaths and the rate of fatal injury was 1.1 per 100 000 workers, the same as the average rate for the previous five years.
- Services - 63 fatalities and the rate of fatal injury in 2008/09 is the same as the average rate for the previous five years (0.3).
In addition to the above, 94 members of the public died as a result of work related accidents, but figure excluded rail accident deaths.
Other figures not included are oil, shipping and drivers killed in road accidents to name but a few exclusions.
Whilst the decrease is welcome, maybe now we need to review how figures are gathered and what industries or other work related activities such as driving should now be considered? Maybe then we can get a more accurate record of the number of those workers actually do get killed at work.
