Rise in deaths and injuries at work sparks outcry

Unions have expressed alarm at new HSE statistics that show increases in fatalities, major injuries and injuries leaving workers incapacitated for over three days.

The figures, published last month, show that in 2003-04:

* there were 235 fatal injuries to workers (a 4% increase on the previous year), with around half occurring in construction and agriculture;

* 30,666 major injuries to employees were reported (up 9% on the previous year), with increases in many service industries;

* the number of reported "over-three-day" injuries to employees increased by 0.7% to 129,143; and

* an estimated 2.2 million people suffered from ill health which they thought was work-related (similar to the 2001-02 level of 2.3 million).

"The rise in deaths and injuries at work are simply unacceptable," said Tony Woodley, general secretary of the T&G general union. "They show safety regimes are falling short of what workers can and should expect."

The figures indicate that the HSE's Revitalising Health and Safety targets, set in 2000, have not been met. The levels of fatalities and major injuries were similar to those in the base year (1999-2000), and there was "no clear evidence of change" for work-related ill health.

Derek Simpson, general secretary of the manufacturing and technical union Amicus, said: "These appalling figures vindicate the full recommendations of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, including a greater say for safety representatives, larger fines for companies breaching safety guidelines and a stronger case for legislation on corporate manslaughter."