- 135 workers died in work-related incidents in 2022/23
- 2,268 mesothelioma deaths in 2021 through past exposure to asbestos
Figures Published This Month
One hundred and thirty-five workers were killed in work-related incidents in Great Britain in the last year, according to figures published today by the Health and Safety Executive.
Industries Highest Death Rate
The industries with the highest deaths are as follows :
Construction (45)
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing (21)
Manufacturing (15)
Transportation and storage (15).
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing has the highest rate of fatal injury per 100,000 workers of all the main industrial sectors followed by waste and recycling.
The annual data release published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Great Britain’s workplace regulator, covers the period from April 2022 to March 2023.
Three Most Common Causes of Death
The three most common causes of fatal injuries are as follows:
(1) falls from height (40)
(2) being struck by a moving object (29)
(3) being struck by a moving vehicle (20).
Death of Workers total 135 in 2022/23, which is higher than the previous year (123) but is in line with pre-pandemic levels. The figure for 2020/21 was 145.
However, Great Britain is one of the safest places in the world to work.
As a result, the rate of fatal injuries to workers has decreased.
However, a further 68 members of the public were killed following a work-related incident in 2022/23.
Committed To Protecting People
HSE’s Chief Executive said: “Any loss of life in the workplace is a tragedy.”
“While these figures show Great Britain is one of the safest countries in the world to work, safety must continue to be at the top of everyone’s agenda.”
“Our mission is to protect people and places and we remain committed to maintaining safe workplaces and holding employers to account for their actions.”
Exposure To Asbestos
HSE has also published the annual figures for Mesothelioma, a cancer caused by past exposure to asbestos.
2,268 people died from the disease in 2021, according to the figures.
This is a fall of 302 compared with the 2,570 deaths in 2020.
Asbestos-related diseases take decades to develop.
Those exposed, will have been before the tightening of controls and the use of asbestos was banned in 1999.
Therefore, Where asbestos is present in buildings, regulations say it must be managed, maintained in good condition, and stay undisturbed.
So then, If this level of protection cannot be achieved, then asbestos must be removed.
In conclusion, these regulations have led to a significant reduction in exposure, therefore the number of those developing asbestos-related illness is predicted to fall as we get further from the date asbestos was banned in 1999. Prior to that point, asbestos was used extensively in construction.
Importantly, HSE’s approach to asbestos management is based on evidence that is constantly reviewed. HSE has recently launched a campaign called Asbestos & You to raise awareness of the risks associated with the dangerous substance.
You can find out more about the Asbestos and You campaign by visiting HSE’s website. You will find further guidance and help on asbestos too.
If you would like to know more about how Safety Aide can assist your business regarding Health and Safety, please get in touch on 08000 806 801.