Better health at work, but death toll still too high says Callaghan

But the industry still accounts for almost a third of all worker deaths, according to recent figures from the Health and Safety Commission (HSC).

There were 79 deaths in the construction industry between 2001 and 2002. The rate of fatal injury had dropped until 1998/99, but rose in the two years up to the end of 2001.

The HSC concludes that while the latest fatality figure has improved, there is little recent progress in the rate of non-fatal injury.

With new legislation on asbestos in force since the end of last year, it is interesting to note that the number of deaths from asbestos-related cancer (mesothelioma) is expected to keep rising, with a peak of 1700 anticipated in 2011.

Commenting on the figures, HSC chair Bill Callaghan says: "My first reaction is that these figures show little change – and I take no comfort from that. We have much to do to achieve a step change in health and safety improvement. This is only the second year, in a ten year programme, but I expect to see some momentum in following years."

The government has set three 10-year improvement targets to reduce days taken off work due to injury and illness by 30%; work-related ill-health reduced by 20%; and work-related fatal and major injuries by 10%. There is also concern about other work-related illnesses such as musculo-skeletal disorders.

There is an additional target to achieve half of these targets by 2004.