Sep 5 2006
Statistics released today by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show the total number of fatal injuries to workers in construction during 2005/06 was 59 (provisional), a fall from the final figure of 69 in 2004/05. This is the lowest figure on record.
Of the 59 deaths, 8 occurred during the construction of commercial buildings, 8 during domestic projects, 8 fatalities were on projects involving special trades, and 8 were in the construction of highways and roads.
Stephen Williams, HSE Chief Inspector of Construction said:
“These figures are very good and I am pleased with progress so far. It is positive news that HSE in partnership with all in industry - employers, unions and stakeholder bodies - are driving down fatalities on sites. However, we should be cautious. One year’s figures should not be viewed in isolation and it is too early to say whether the reduction in fatal injuries represents the significant behaviour change the industry has been promising. Let us not be complacent - one death is still one too many.
“Only by continuing to work with the industry can we improve the health and safety of workers within construction. I applaud the recently agreed short and medium term objectives set by the Strategic Forum for Construction. These include qualifying the workforce, progressing the behavioural change we have started to see in construction and harnessing the capacity of technological change to fuel improved health and safety performance. All of these will help contribute to a successful future for the construction industry.”