HSE releases annual workplace fatalities data

Provisional annual data for work-related fatal accidents in Great Britain’s workplaces shows small change from previous years, sustaining a long-term trend that has seen the rate of fatalities more than halve over the last 20 years. The data, released by HSE, reveals 142 workers were fatally injured at work between April 2014 and March 2015. The statistics again confirm the UK to be one of the safest places to work in Europe, having one of the lowest rates of fatal injuries to workers in leading industrial nations. However, the HSE states that “Every fatality is a tragic event and our commitment to preventing loss of life in the workplace remains unaltered. All workplace fatalities drive HSE to develop even more effective interventions to reduce death, injury and ill health.” The new figures show the rate of fatal injuries in several key industrial sectors: 35 fatal injuries to construction workers . 33 fatal injuries to agricultural workers 5 fatal injuries to waste and recycling workers HSE has also released the latest available figures on deaths from asbestos-related cancer. Mesothelioma, one of the few work related diseases where deaths can be counted directly, contracted through past exposure to asbestos killed 2,538 in Great Britain in 2013 compared to 2,548 in 2012. Working at height continues to be a dangerous proposition for individuals who must carry out tasks above or below ground as part of their daily remit. Falls from height remain the most common cause of workplace fatality. In 2011/12 falls from height were found to be responsible for 40 fatalities and over 3000 major injuries.

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