HSE-48 construction deaths in 9 months
and also full In-year work-related deaths reported to HSE for 2008-2009
2008 saw 48 construction deaths in nine months
Figures released by the Health and Safety Executive indicate a lower number of deaths than previous years
New figures from the Health and Safety Executive show there were 48 construction-related deaths during the last nine months of 2008.
The interim statistics for the third quarter revealed 46 construction workers - including employees and self-employed - were killed, and two members of the public.
The figures indicate that the overall number of deaths for 2008/09 could be lower than the previous years, when 72 workers and three members of the public were killed in the sector.
But construction still had the highest number worker deaths compared with other sectors. The HSE noted that the figures were still provisional and could be subject to revision as more relevant information becomes available.
The Health and Safety Executive is also seeking to recruit up to 30 construction inspectors in a bid to improve site safety.
The safety body recently recruited 19 new trainee inspectors, bringing the total number of full-time operational construction inspectors visiting sites on a day-to-day basis to 138. The 30 additional inspectors will have a background in construction and are expected to join the HSE this summer on two-year fixed term contracts.
New recruits will be able to serve enforcement notices and fines. The HSE said they would be used to carry out site inspections to ensure risks were “properly controlled, using advice, inspection, and where necessary, formal enforcement
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This information is the collated picture of ‘as reported’ information on fatalities, including those documented in our Chief Executive’s reports. It is updated on a monthly basis. It does not purport to be a formal statistical release. Subsequent investigation may determine that some are not reportable under RIDDOR1, for example deaths due to natural causes. Other deaths shown here may have been caused by gas incidents in the home. In such cases these deaths will not be counted in our statistics for workplace fatal injuries. Provisional quarterly figures for workplace fatal injuries are available from our latest quarterly injury figures[1] and validated figures and information will only be available on publication of the annual fatality statistics for Great Britain.
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1[3] The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)
