Renewed call to reduce workplace death and injury

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Employers in Greater Manchester are being urged to start the New Year as they mean to go on when it comes to health and safety.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning that there is no room for complacency despite the total number of work-related fatalities across Britain being at a record low

According to figures released for 2009/10, fewer people in Greater Manchester are being fatally injured at work. Four people were fatally injured in 2009/10, while nine people died in 2008/09. There were a total of 1,252 major workplace injuries, down 21 from the previous year.

There were 91 major injuries in Rochdale in 2009/10 compared to 99 major injuries in 2008/9.

There were 3,301 serious workplace injuries recorded in the North West last year compared to 3,432 in 2008/9 and 19 deaths - 4 fewer than the previous year.

David Sowerby, Regional Director HSE in the North West, said: “The fall in numbers of workers killed or injured through their work is encouraging but we must also remember that each death results in a family missing a loved one during this festive season.

“Employers cannot get complacent; they must stay vigilant and learn the lessons from the past to ensure that they protect their workers in the future.

“Putting in place simple, straightforward, health and safety measures can save lives and minimise the possibility of injury and ill-health.”