More Than 170 Workers Killed During 2011/12

Employers are being urged by workplace injury lawyers to recognise the importance of meeting their health and safety responsibilities, after new figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that 173 people were killed at work across 2011/12.

The provisional research revealed that a rate of 0.6 fatalities per 100,000 workers was recorded over the period analysed, while 111,164 other injuries to employees were reported to the organisation. In total, 4.3 million working days were lost over the 12 months due to workplace injury.

Irwin Mitchell has vast experience acting for the families of employees who have lost their lives as a result of safety failings at work, as well as victims who need lifelong rehabilitation and support after being seriously injured due to such problems.

David Urpeth, an expert in workplace injury at the national law firm, said it was vital that efforts to improve awareness and understanding of health and safety must continue.

He explained: “While the number of people killed at work across Britain in 2011/12 marked a fall of two from the previous year, as well as a fall from the five-year average of 196, these new figures are a tragic reminder that one death is simply too many.

“The terrible impact that a death at work has on the victim’s family, friends, workmates and local community cannot be understated, with a huge number of people left desperate for answers over what has happened and how it can be avoided again in the future.

“Figures are clearly moving in the right direction, but we would urge employers of all sizes, the HSE and the Government to continue to press ahead with ensuring that the safety of workers remains an absolutely priority in all sectors. The importance of keeping workers safe from harm should never be ignored.”

On the number of injuries, David added: “The number of serious injuries reported to the HSE was also found to be lower than the five-year average, which again is a good sign.

“We have seen on numerous occasions how serious injuries can have a major impact on a worker’s life, helping such victims to gain answers over the problems they have endured and ensure they can access vital rehabilitation and support services.

“Employers need to remember the importance of health and safety, as well as the huge consequences that failings can have on so many lives. Every effort must be made to ensure lessons are learned from the past, so businesses and their staff can look forward to a safer future.”