Latest reduction in the number of workers killed welcomed

The British Safety Council welcomes the latest reduction in the number of workers killed but one death is one too many

Latest data released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveals that 148 workers were fatally injured between April 2012 and March 2013, compared with 172 in the previous year. However, one life lost at work is one too many and the British Safety Council calls upon all those who have an influence to redouble their efforts and break the link between employment and fatalities.

“Our vision is that no-one is injured or made ill by work,” says Alex Botha, CEO of the British Safety Council, “and every worker killed is unacceptable. Reductions are positive but look more closely and it is clear that more can be done.

“The last four years has seen a leveling-off in the rate of fatal injury (which links fatalities to numbers of workers) and this can surely be improved when you look at the predictable causes of deaths; so many falls, being hit by a moving vehicle, caught up in machinery and struck by objects. If we want a growing economy, rising employment and reductions in fatalities then we have to get to grips with the events that lie behind these common causes.”

“The moral case to do so is unequivocal, the business case to do so is strong. What we need to see is even better shared understanding of what makes for good health and safety; leadership, workforce engagement, competent advice and training. The HSE and others have great resources and businesses up and down the country have knowledge and experience to share. We need to pull together and make sure that every worker returns home safe and well.”