The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have revealed that there was a small rise in the number of fatal accidents in the workplace according to their provisional figures.
The figures indicate a small rise in the number of fatal accidents from the previous year, however, the provisional figure is half of the figures than twenty years previously, with the UK remaining one of the safest places to work in the EU. The provisional numbers showed that in the last year 142 workers were fatally injured between April 2014 and March 2015 with HSE officials admitting that it would be difficult to have matched the record low of 136 fatalities from the previous year.
HSE Provisional Figures
The new figures from the HSE showed that there was a decline in the most traditional types of accidents and areas more commonly associated with fatal accidents. Compared to the 44 deaths in 2013/14, and the average 45 deaths over five years, the number of accidents in construction had fallen significantly to 35. However, while construction improved its record, areas such as agriculture saw a rise, with 33 fatalities. Furthermore, there was a growth in fatalities in previously obscure workplaces with a rise in waste and recycling. Many experts state that this is due to the growth of recycling and new plants opening up.
The report from the HSE also found that there was a higher fatality rate in Scotland and Wales than in England, however, experts have stated that this is merely down to the breakdown of employment, with Scotland and Wales having more workers in high-risk occupations.
HSE Chair Judith Hackitt said: “It is disappointing last year’s performance on fatal injuries has not been matched, but the trend continues to be one of improvement. Our systems and our framework remain strong as demonstrated by our performance in comparison to other countries.
“Every fatality is a tragic event and our commitment to preventing loss of life in the workplace remains unaltered. All workplace fatalities drive HSE to develop even more effective interventions to reduce death, injury and ill health.”
Accidents in the Workplace
Sadly, accidents in the workplace remain common, and even though fatalities have decreased in the last few years, millions of people were injured in the workplace through no fault of their own. Construction sites, agriculture areas and many other workplaces have serious accidents due to a lack of health and safety procedures and poor organisation. Many people believe that if they are injured in their work, they cannot make a claim or run the risk of losing their job, however, this is not the case. If you are injured through negligence, you have the right to hold those responsible. Your employer will not be able to dismiss you or take legal action or else they run the risk of facing an unfair dismissal.
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Our team specialise in making personal injury claims, whether it be in the workplace or public. If you believe you have the right to make a claim and obtain damages, get in touch today using our online contact form.