Fatality rate falls to all-time low
12:19 28 Jul 2005
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The fatal injury rate in construction reached an all-time low in the year to 31 March, according to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
Bill Callaghan, chair of the Health & Safety Commission, said: "There were 72 construction fatalities this reporting year - a slight increase from last year. However, employment has increased in construction and the fatal injury rate actually fell (to 3.48 deaths per 100,000 workers), the lowest rate on record. The challenge will be to continue this progress, particularly, as major projects start up following our successful Olympic bid in the next few years.
"Clearly the results of this year's report show falls from height remain a big problem, amounting to one-in-four of all fatalities to workers in 2004/05. This is a particular concern especially in the construction and services sectors. The new Work at Height Regulations require planning, competent people, and selection of appropriate, maintained equipment - a common sense approach that shouldn't be beyond anyone.
"Although we are making progress, I remain concerned that so many people continue to lose their lives at work. Behind these figures are enormous personal tragedies invovling the unexpected loss of family and friends," he concluded.