An increase in the number of people killed in workplace accidents serves as a “stark reminder” of the need for a continued focus on worker protection, the President of the chartered occupational health and safety body has said.
There were 144 fatalities in British workplaces in 2017-18, up from 135 in the previous year, according to figures published today by the Health and Safety Executive.
Craig Foyle, President of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), is urging businesses to ensure that protecting employees is at the heart of their operations.
He said: “Nobody should have their life cut short by work so we must strive to ensure that working people are protected and can return home to their families safe and well. This must be a business priority, there are no excuses for that not being the case.
“Last year, nearly three people were killed at work every week and these deaths are entirely preventable. That is unacceptable. And let’s not forget those who are seriously injured at work as well. When you take into account the emotional and financial implications on families, the impact of workplace accidents is huge and today serves as a stark reminder of that.”
The provisional figures cover the period from the start of April 2017 to the end of March this year. While there has been a slight increase in deaths compared to the previous 12 months, there has been an overall decline in recent years – in 2011-12, 171 people were killed at work.
Nearly half of the fatal accidents in 2017-18 occurred in construction and agriculture, with 38 and 29 deaths respectively.
The three most common causes of fatal injuries were falls from height (35), being struck by a moving vehicle (26) and being struck by a moving object (26).
Of those who were killed, 40% were aged 60 or over, despite that age group only accounting for ten per cent of the working population.
