The latest HSE figures

The latest 2010/11 figures from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) show that 171 workers were killed at work, up from 147 fatalities in the previous 12 months. While, an estimated 1.2 million people who worked during the last year were suffering from an illness that they believed was caused or made worse by their current or past work, down from 1.3 million in 2009/10.

David Lummis, Chief Executive Officer at the BSIF comments: “It is upsetting to see that the number of fatalities at work has increased this year, after a consecutive four year drop in fatalities. This is 171 lives too many, people deserve to go to work knowing that they will be protected, whilst friends and family need to be reassured that their loved ones will return home after a day's work. Even the figures that show a reduction, such as the 1.2 million people suffering from illness caused or made worse by their work, is too many. These are real people whose lives have been seriously affected, some with irreversible damage.”

David continues: “Britain does boast some of the best health & safety records in Europe and long may this continue. However, we must not become complacent in our achievements and instead continue to thrive to provide the best possible care to reduce death and injury in the workplace. All trade bodies, government agencies and organisations must retain a strong focus on minimising workplace accidents, despite the inevitable cutbacks, in a bid to ensure that next year's figures have been reduced significantly.”