Number of workplace fatalities rise, says HSE

Health & Safety Update - 4/7/11

There was a rise in the number of employees killed in workplace accidents last year, according to new official figures.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released data covering April 2010 to March 2011, which reveals an increase in fatalities. 171 staff members were killed at work during that period, compared to the 147 recorded workplace fatalities the year before. The 147 figure was the lowest number on record.

The HSE data has highlighted that the rate of deaths is now 0.6 per cent per 100,000 staff members, which is a rise from 0.5 per cent per 100,000 the year before.

HSE chair, Judith Hackitt, said, “The increase in the number of deaths in the last year is disappointing, after an all-time low last year. However, we must remember that we still have one of the lowest rates of fatal injury anywhere in Europe.

“The fact that 171 people failed to come home from work to their loved ones last year reminds us all of what we are here to do. It is a stark reminder of the need to ensure that health and safety remains focused on the real risks which exist in workplaces not on trivia and pointless paperwork,” she added.

Ms Hackitt advised all employers to ensure that safety procedures and training were constantly being reviewed as the world of work continued to change.