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Deaths in construction sector drop, says HSE

Deaths in the construction sector have fallen by more than a fifth over the past year, according to the latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive.

In 2008/09, more than 52 construction workers were killed at work, compared to 41 last year.

Of that latest figure, 29 were employees and 12 were self-employed. Four members of the public were killed in construction accidents.

The sector is still one of the most dangerous, with 2 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers.

“Construction continues to be one of the most dangerous industries in Great Britain and employers and workers must continue to take an uncompromising approach to safety,” said HSE’s chief inspector of construction, Philip White.

“It’s too soon to say that the decrease in fatalities is down to any particular reason, but it is imperative that as the economy recovers, health and safety is seen as a priority – we know from past experience that economic recoveries tend to lead to an increase in worker deaths.”

Roger Bibbings, Rospa’s occupational safety adviser, said the decreasing number must not foster a false sense of security.

“The fall in the number of deaths is obviously to be welcomed and reflects the enormous effort that has gone on to ensure safer working - especially in the most hazardous sectors. Some of the reduction could also be attributed to a slowdown in activity because of recession.

“We must keep the focus firmly on health hazards, particularly occupational carcinogens, asbestos and other harmful factors like noise and vibration,” Bibbings added. “And we must not overlook the spectre of work-related road accidents.

“In an age where our economy has become increasingly road-mobile and service-based, it’s important to recognise that five times as many workers are killed in work-related road accidents than they are in notifiable incidents at the place of work.”

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