HSE reveals plant fatalities high

by Paul Howard

The fatality rate for industries involving plant is among the highest across all industrial sectors, according to statistics published by the Health & safety Executive (HSE).

The waste and scrap recycling sector has the worst fatality rate with 23.9 deaths for every 100,000 workers - 30 times the national industrial average of just 0.8. The quarrying of stone and ore (12.2 per 100,000), sewage and refuse disposal (8.8 per 100,000) and construction (5.7 per 100,000) are all among the seven worst industry sectors for fatality rates.

The statistics, relating to the year 2001/2002, give no direct indication of the number of fatalities involving plant. However, within the construction industry the HSE has identified some trends - excavators are frequently implicated in fatal accidents under the category 'struck by a moving vehicle', while 'struck by a moving/falling object' often involves objects falling or swinging while being lifted.

These statistics support findings from research conducted by CJ/PMJ last year revealing the same trends, while also underlining the lack of detailed information concerning plant related accidents.