January 6, 2006—The UK’s Health and Safety Commission (HSC) recently published the latest statistics on workplace injury and work-related ill health in Great Britain.
“Health and Safety Statistics 2004/05” (.pdf file) presents the top-level statistics, with more detailed data and commentary available from HSE.
Highlights include:
- A reduction of 7% in fatal injuries to workers in 2004-05: 220 compared to 236 in the previous year. Half occurred in the two industries of construction (71) and agriculture, forestry and fishing (42),
- A reduction in the rate of reported fatal and major injuries in construction between 1999-2000 and 2004-05 by around 24%, and over-three day injury rates in construction dropped by 35%; and
- A 2.2% drop in the number of reported major injuries to employees.
The 2004-05 national statistics show that the “Revitalizing Health and Safety” target on fatal and major injuries has not been met, although there has been progress against these in the past year. HSE says that the overall target of a 10% reduction for work-related ill health and a 15% reduction for working days lost have probably been achieved.
