HSE say 43 died in industry last year

Deaths in construction jumped from 35 to 43 in the year to April 2016, according to the latest statistics from the Health and Safety Executive.

In its provisional figures for the year, the HSE found that construction fatalities remained at the five year average of 43.

The death rate dropped to 1.94 per 100,000 workers, compared to a five-year average of 2.04.

But construction still remains the most dangerous industry in terms of fatalities ahead of sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.

The number of deaths across all industries was 144, up slightly from the 142 recorded the year before. The worst period for deaths in recent times was the 175 killed in 2010/11.

HSE chair Martin Temple said: “Britain has one of the best health and safety systems in the world, but we should always be looking to improve and to prevent incidents that cost lives.

“This year HSE travelled the country asking industry representatives, employers, unions, workers and others what they could do to help GB work well.

“The response was hugely encouraging and I would like to ask people to deliver on the commitments made, that will help keep Britain’s workers alive.”