Shock increase in workplace fatalities expose the coalition's
attack on health and safety
29 June 2011
Deaths at work are on the increase - a shocking change in trends
which Unite says should shake the government out of its attempt to
demean health and safety legislation through the insulting ‘Red
Tape Challenge’.
Fatal accident statistics for 2010/11 show that 171 people were
killed while at work, a 16 per cent increase compared to
2009/2010.
Agriculture, waste handling and construction continue to be the
most hazardous sectors. In construction, the number of workers
killed last year has increased by 22 per cent from 41 to 50. There
were nine fatal injuries to waste and recycling workers which
is an increase from the four deaths recorded in 2009/10. The number
of workers killed in the agriculture sector has fallen from 39 to
34.
Unite general secretary, Len McCluskey, said: "These alarming
figures ought to shock some sense into the government and persuade
ministers once and for all what a nonsense their ‘Red Tape
Challenge’ is. Health and safety regulations are not
burdensome bureaucracy but essential protections.
"The reality is that 171 people went to work and did not come
home again. From Potters Bar to Piper Alpha the lesson to be
learned is that strong and effective enforcement of health and
safety legislation is vital, not the cuts and deregulatory agenda
being pursued by the government.
"The ‘Red Tape Challenge’ is a sham. It is not an appropriate
way to determine government policy on health and safety at work -
and it is an insult to workers everywhere, particularly those who
have been injured themselves or for those families who have lost a
loved one.
"The only way to stop deaths at work is more inspections, more
enforcement and no cuts."
ENDS
Contact Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
