The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently released its annual figures for work-related fatal injuries for 2018/19. Latest annual figures show that 30 people were killed on construction sites between April 2018 and March 2019, down from 38 the previous year.
Falls from height continue to be the biggest overall cause of death in the workplace, with 40 people killed during the year, followed by being struck by a moving vehicle (30) and then stuck by a moving object (16).
Overall, the provisional annual data for work-related fatal injuries revealed that 147 workers were fatally injured between April 2018 and March 2019. This equates to a rate of 0.45 per 100,000 workers.
In addition, there were also 92 members of the public fatally injured in incidents connected to work in 2018/2019.
Response from HSE Chair
Following the release, HSE Chair Martin Temple commented:
“Today’s release of workplace fatality statistics is a reminder that despite the UK’s world leading position in health and safety, we cannot become complacent as we seek to fulfil our mission in preventing injury, ill health and death at work.”
Risks to older workers
The new figures continued to highlight the risks to older workers. 25% of fatal injuries in 2018/19 were to workers aged 60 or over. Those workers however made up only around 10% of the workforce.
There are a number of jobs, especially in the construction industry, where workers are exposed to hazardous or potentially dangerous situations. Ensuring that employees are fit for task is crucial. A worker may well struggle on with a medical condition without realising its potential danger. Undertaking safety critical worker medicals makes sure your business complies fully with health and safety legislation.
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