Six deaths on major contractor sites is six too many, says MCG director

Fatalities are down across major contractor sites for the third year in a row, according to latest provisional figures by the Major Contractors Group (MCG) published today (Friday).

The current figure now stands at six deaths compared with eight last year, 10 in 2000/2001 and 15 in 1999/2000.

However, despite a reduction for the fourth year in a row, MCG director Bill Tallis said: "Although we are pleased that the overall trend continues downward six lives lost is still six too many."

He added: "It is worth noting that less than 10% of the fatalities in construction occurred on MCG members' sites even though they carried out about one third of construction work in the UK."

Construction's death rate as a whole currently stands at 80 during the 12-month period of the MCG's survey.

The group is expected to publish its annual accident statistics shortly as part of its health and safety charter.