Annual workplace illness and injury statistics have once again been published by the Health & Safety Executive, and the figures are alarming.
A shocking 138 people were killed in workplace accidents in this year, and once again, the largest percentage of these people were in the construction industry, with 51 deaths. Those working in the agricultural section also made up a high percentage of the figures with 23 people meeting their deaths. Of the 138 deaths, 50 of them were due to falling from a height, and 25 were due to being struck by a moving vehicle.
The HSE work tirelessly to provide safety advice and guidance for both
employers and employees, and the information is easily accessible to anyone who wants to read it. They investigate reported incidents and will prosecute those employers who fail to implement health and safety measures to protect their workers.
Many employers don’t implement those measures because of the cost of providing appropriate safety equipment, or because they don’t wish to delay completion of a task in order to bring in safety equipment. This is unacceptable, and the onus is on employers to ensure that all employees work in a safe environment.
The HSE’s 2023/2024 statistics are set out below:
- 1.7 million working people suffering from a work-related illness, of which:
- 776,000 workers suffering work-related stress, depression or anxiety
- 543,000 workers suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder
- 2,257 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures (2022)
- 138 workers killed in work-related accidents
- 604,000 working people sustained an injury at work according to the Labour Force Survey
- 61,663 injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR
- 33.7 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury
Remember:
- No employee should go to work and be at the risk of sustaining injury or even dying, due to a failing on their part of their employers.
- All employers have a legal duty to ensure the safety of workers that they employ, or who carry out work for them.
If you have been injured or hurt in a workplace accident and wish to have some advice on whether you are entitled to make a claim for compensation, then please contact our dedicated personal injury team who would be happy to assist you with any information that you may need on 0161 696 6235. Alternatively, fill in our online enquiry form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
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