Workplace ill health and injury continues to fall

Figures published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggest that workplace ill health and injury has continued to fall.  The figures, recorded between April 2010 and March 2011, showed the following reductions in sickness and injury:

• 6% fall in major injuries to 24,726 (amputations, fractures, burns) in the workplace from 2009/10
• 6% fall in other injuries causing work absence of 4 days or more to 90,653
• 7.7% fall in illness estimated to be caused or aggravated by work to 1.2 million

However, in the same period the number of fatalities in the workplace rose from 147 to 171, although Britain continues to have the lowest fatal occupational injuries in Europe and one of the lowest work related ill health numbers.

Judith Hackitt, Chair of HSE, welcomed the figures but also gave recognition to the increase in the number of fatalities.

The construction industry (173.2 major injuries per 100,000 employees) and agricultural industry (221.9 major injuries per 100,000 employees) recorded the highest levels of work-related injuries.

Overall, 26.4 million working days were lost in 2010/11, an average of 15 days per case - 22.1 million to ill-health and 4.4 million to injury.

The figures demonstrate how important it is for businesses to ensure that they regularly review their health and safety and risk management policies, and that adequate employers’ liability and public/products liability insurance cover is in place to assist the business should any problems occur.

Last reviewed 8/11/2011

Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence v1.0

To talk to an expert in your area and get a quote.