HSE Figures Reveal Fall In Deaths And Injuries At Work
Workplace injury experts at Irwin Mitchell have welcomed new figures that the number of people seriously injured or killed in accidents at work in Scotland has fallen, but warned that efforts to improve safety must continue.New figures issued by the Health and Safety Executive have revealed that 15 people were killed in work accidents over 2010/11, which marked a reduction from 22 seen in the previous 12 months.
It was also revealed that the number of people who suffered a major injury at work dropped from 2,655 in 2009/10 to 2,645 in 2010/11.
Irwin Mitchell acts for those who have had their lives turned upside down by serious injuries at work, as well as the families of victims killed in preventable incidents in the workplace.
Elaine Russell, a Partner who specialises in workplace injury claims at the law firm’s Glasgow office, said: “It is positive news that the number of people seriously hurt at work has fallen, but the figure of 15 fatalities proves there is still much work to be done in relation to improving health and safety.
“Our work has shown that in many cases serious work accidents could and should have been avoided through the use of the correct safety guidelines, proper training, supervision and the provision of the best possible equipment.
“As we head into the New Year, it is vital that employers across Scotland start 2012 with a fresh perspective on this issue and a determination to ensure they are doing everything they can to protect their workers from any potential risks.
“Lessons need to be learned and we hope that the next 12 months will see health and safety finally become the fundamental priority in all workplaces across the UK.”