Fatalities and injuries in the workplace still too high

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have released figures showing the number of workplace accidents and injuries that were reported in 2013/14. The results show that although health and safety procedures have improved, the occurrence of serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace is still far too high.

133 people sadly died in a workplace accident in 2013/14. Although this was down from 150 fatal injuries in 2012/13 and 171 in 2011/12, the figures show tragically just how dangerous certain workplaces can be. Some industries accounted for a higher percentage of fatal workplace accidents, including:

·         The building and construction industry which accounted for 42 workers deaths.
·         The farming and agriculture industry which accounted for 27 workers deaths.
·         The waste and recycling industry which accounted for 4 workers deaths.

The recent figures show just how much more there is still to do to protect people from sustaining serious injuries whilst at work, which could result in death. Employers should do all they can to prevent accidents happening in their workplace and have a duty of care to keep employers safe. If they fail in this duty of care they can be prosecuted by the HSE and fined, as well as the injured person being entitled to claim accident at work compensation.

A further 77,593 other injuries were also reported to the HSE in 2013/14. This was down from 80,368 in 2012/13 and 111,299 in 2011/12. The most common causes of accidents in the workplace were slips and trips at work and manual handling, lifting and carrying. 28% of injuries reported were due to slips and trips, and 24% due to injuries as a result of manual handling.

A full risk assessment should be carried out for all tasks in the workplace, and correct training and equipment should be given. This includes in relation to heavy lifting and manual handling tasks, as well as for any machinery that is used in the workplace.

It is also estimated that around 1.2 million people were suffering from an illness which was caused by their current or past working conditions. 80% of work related illnesses were caused by musculoskeletal disorders or stress, depression or anxiety. Musculoskeletal disorders were the most common type of work related illness. 40% of musculoskeletal disorders were in relation to back injuries and problems and 40% were injuries to upper limbs.

A large proportion of workplace illnesses were worryingly those caused by asbestos exposure, including life threatening diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. In 2012, 2535 people died from mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure was the leading cause of death in occupational cancer. A further 2145 new cases of mesothelioma were assessed for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).

Nicola Hughes, Senior Associate Solicitor at Freeclaim Solicitors commented, “Too many lives are being ruined by accidents and illnesses in the workplace that are preventable. With further cuts to the Health & Safety Executive’s budget, there is a real danger that we will see an increase in workplace accidents and illnesses in future years.”

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, or have developed an illness due to unsafe working conditions, you may be entitled to claim accident at work compensation.

Freeclaim Solicitors are specialist workplace illness and accident lawyers, with over 25 years’ experience helping clients claim the compensation they deserve.  If you would like to find out more visit http://www.freeclaim.co.uk or call free 24 hours a day on 0800 612 7340.

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