13 Workers Killed In Occupational Accidents In London In 2012-13

The number of people killed in occupational accidents in London increased in 2012-13 when compared with the previous year.

New figures published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showed 13 workers died while doing their job in the capital during the 12-month period - up from eight the year before.

Richard Boland, HSE head of operations for London, said that although Britain has one of the most impressive workplace safety records in Europe, one death is still one too many.

Statistics confirmed that 148 people lost their lives in occupational incidents in the UK in 2012-13, which was down from 171 the year before.

Overall, five in every million UK workers were killed between April 2012 and March 2013.

More than 20,600 workers reported a major injury during this period - a 10.8 per cent drop on the previous year.

"While the number of workplace deaths has decreased nationally, they have increased across the capital, and it serves as a stark reminder of why we need good health and safety in workplaces," Mr Boland commented.

"I therefore urge employers to spend their time tackling the real dangers that workers face and to stop worrying about trivial matters or pointless paperwork."

Despite the rising number of fatalities reported in London, the HSE confirmed the amount of serious injuries being sustained by workers across the capital actually fell in 2012-13.

Some 2,141 people were badly hurt over the course of the year - a significant reduction on 2011-12, when 2,409 employees were injured.

The HSE has published a list of the different boroughs of London that have reported the most workplace accidents in the last year, with Westminster (236 major injuries and one fatality) being the worst offender.

Elsewhere, there was a slight improvement in safety standards in the east of England, where 16 people died and 1,923 employees suffered a serious injury at work in 2012-13.

This was down from 19 deaths and 2,116 major injuries in the previous year.

If you have lost a loved one due to an accident at work, our serious injury compensation solicitors could help you claim compensation to help get the answers you deserve. For more information visit our fatal accident claims or workplace accident claims page.

Expert Opinion

For several years there has been a downward trend in the number of deaths from accidents at work. It is therefore very worrying that the numbers killed in London have increased. <br/> <br/>We have seen first-hand the impact and consequences that negligent health and safety can have on workers’ lives. Behind each and every workplace death statistic there are families and friends who are left devastated at the loss of a loved one. More needs to be done to protect workers, especially in the most dangerous industries such as construction and agriculture.” <br/> <br/>