HSE health and safety statistics

Slips and trips overtake falls from height as largest cause of construction injuries

Recently released Statistics from the HSE for 2005/06 show the rate of fatal and major injuries in the construction industry is continuing to fall.

For the first time injuries resulting from slips, trips and falls have overtaken those injuries that were a result from a fall from height.

The HSE's Health and Safety Statistics 2005/06 report shows: -

• the rate of reported fatal injuries (to all workers, including
• the self employed) in construction between 1999/00 and 2005/06 has reduced by around 36%
• the rate of reported major injuries to employees in construction between 1999/00 and 2005/06 has reduced by around 22%
• the rate of reported over three day injuries to employees in construction between 1999/00 and 2005/06 has reduced by around 31%
• 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.

In 2005/06 there were: -

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