Workplace fatalities in the UK are up 34 per cent, to the highest level in almost 10 years, provisional statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) indicate.
In 2000/2001 there were 295 deaths, compared to 220 in 1999/2000.

Health and Safety Commissioner (HSC) chairman Bill Callaghan, said the figures concerned him as they went against the downward trend of recent years.

He said the HSE is planning 'firm action' after identifying the worst-offending sectors of industry.

'Of particular note is the construction industry where, on average, there are two deaths every week, and the fatality rate of six per every 100,000 workers is now the highest for a decade.

'Most of these fatalities were preventable,' Callaghan said. 'The primary responsibility for the health and safety of workers remains with employers. There is absolutely no excuse for them to ignore their duty to take all reasonable steps to safeguard workers' lives.'

Callaghan said he supports the Home Office's corporate killing reforms.

He added that a downward trend in non-fatal injuries continues, but that this may indicate an increase in under-reporting, something he said the HSC and HSE would be taking a 'close' look at.

Legally, workplace accidents must be reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occupation Regulations 1995.

The HSE estimates that only 44 per cent of workplace accidents are reported. A report has been commissioned to investigate under-reporting.

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The Facilities Business