HSE reports fall in fatalities and major injuries

The rate of fatal and major injuries in the construction has continued to decrease, according to the latest report from the Health and Safety Executive.

The Health and Safety Statistics 2005/06 report shows:

• The rate of reported fatal injuries (to all workers, including the self employed) in construction between 1999/2000 and 2005/06 has reduced by about 36%
• The rate of reported major injuries to employees in construction between 1999/2000 and 2005/06 has reduced by about 22%
• The rate of reported injuries to employees that kept them away from work for over three days between 1999/2000 and 2005/06 has reduced by about 31%.

There has also been good progress towards the all industry revitalising targets of 2000, although the industry is still falling short of its own ambitious targets set at the 2001 Construction Summit.

For the first time the proportion of major injuries due to falls from height has been overtaken by those resulting from slips, trips and falls on the same level. Injuries due to slips and trips and manual handling have risen steadily over the past few years while those from falls from height and being struck by an object have been reduced substantially.

The report shows:

• There were 981 major injuries in construction caused by slips, trips or falls on the same level;
• There were 917 major injuries in construction caused by falls from height;
• There were 577 major injuries in construction while handling, lifting or carrying
• There were 572 major injuries in construction caused by struck by moving, including flying/falling object.

Stephen Williams, HSE's chief inspector of construction,said: "My congratulations go out to the industry on the progress it has made so far. I am particularly pleased to see the encouraging signs that it has taken ownership of its health and safety performance and worked hard to achieve the lowest incidence rates ever for fatal, major injuries and over three day injuries."