Construction deaths rise by 28%

This year, 77 people within the construction trade died from work-related injuries, compared to 59 in 2005/06, or 3 per 100 000 workers. The latest figures reverse the downward trend in fatalities over the last 15 years; on average a 3.9% year on year decrease.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Europe’s largest body for health and safety professionals, is highly concerned by the latest statistics for fatal injuries within the workplace in general. The death toll has risen by 11% overall, from 217 to 241. Of the main industrial sectors, construction has the highest total of fatal injuries and accounts for 31% of all fatalities.

The HSE’s internal monitoring systems had signalled an increase in fatalities in construction and unvalidated statistics collected through the year have led to plans to address areas of concern. To tackle the level of deaths in the sector, HSE has confirmed continuing focus on its inspection programme, targeting the refurbishment and repair sectors, which have seen a particular increase in fatal injuries. HSE will also be working very closely with stakeholders to address the problem.

HSE chief executive Geoffrey Podger said: “Those who are putting the lives of their workforce at risk should know that HSE takes this very seriously. In the past year we have approved 25% more prosecutions than the year before and our inspectors have served 1000 more enforcement notices. No one should believe that they can get away with serious breaches of health and safety.”

Health and Safety Commissioner Danny Carrigan commented: “I am disappointed that the earlier improvements in construction health and safety have not been sustained and, instead, there has been a significant increase in worker fatalities in the housing and refurbishment/repair sectors, particularly in the domestic market. I am also concerned about the continued high level of construction worker fatalities on smaller sites and involving small businesses.” He added: “I know that HSE keeps a close eye on fatal accident trends and that its Construction Division is already focusing in on the key issues. I am particularly pleased to see that HSE is pressing hard for all workers to be fully engaged in health and safety decisions. I challenge all in the construction industry to refocus its efforts and work together with HSE to tackle the unacceptable level of fatalities in the construction industry.”

The ECA’s health and safety advisor Paul Reeve said: “These figures are very sobering indeed. It’s a real reality check, and it just shows that we can’t take for granted what we achieved with the ZAP (Zero Accident Potential) initiative.