Construction still second most hazardous industry

The construction industry is showing an improvement on self-reported work-related illnesses and non-fatal injuries, according to latest statistics from the Health & Safety Commission (HSC).

Figures for 2005/06 show that self reported work-related illnesses dropped to 3,800 per 100,000 workers in 2005/06 compared with 3,900 in 2004/05 and 4,400 in 2003/04.

The rates of reportable non-fatal injuries to workers are also down to 1,790 per 100,000 workers between 2003/04 to 2005/06 from 2,090 in 2000/01 to 2002/03.

HSC chair Bill Callaghan said that although the industry had a long way to go, the construction sector was making "vast improvements", mainly driven through the partnerships being forged between the Health & Safety Executive and keep stakeholders in the industry.

However, construction remains the second most hazardous industry to work in after agriculture.