HSE – Number of workplace deaths is unacceptable

Posted 29/06/2009

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has insisted that the number of workplace deaths is still too high.

According to the latest figures from the regulator, 180 people died as a result of receiving a personal injury at work during 2008-09.

This works out at a rate of 0.59 deaths per 100,000 employees – which the HSE described as a “statistically significant” decrease on the amount recorded in previous years.

However, the group said this figure is still unacceptable, adding that having three people dying at work every week is “not good enough”.

“I don’t think any organisation would think that it is an acceptable thing to be happening in the 21st century,” a spokesman commented.

Indeed, an accident at work could leave firms liable to face prosecution and possible compensation claims.

The spokesman added that there is a growing acceptance among businesses in Britain that implementing effective health and safety policies is good for business.