HSC press release C028:05 - 8 November 2005

HSC report shows progress on ill health but more needs to be done

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today published the national statistics on work related injuries and ill health for 2004/2005. These figures show progress on occupational ill health and the number of RIDDOR reportable injuries. However, fatal and major injuries remain a concern.

Chair of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) Bill Callaghan said, “I am pleased to see the reduction in cases of occupational ill health and the continuing reduction in the rate of fatal and major injuries in the production industries, especially in construction, but the overall picture is mixed. I am concerned at the increase of reported major injuries within the service sector, which is one reason the midpoint target for fatal and major injuries has not been met. We are making progress in meeting the days lost target, but in spite of the improvement last year it would be complacent to think we had cracked the problem of health at work. Today’s figures suggest that our strategy is beginning to bear fruit but an even greater focus is needed.”

The full report can be view at: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/hssh0405.pdf

The headline figures in this years report are:

• There was a reduction of 7% in fatal injuries to workers in 2004/2005, 220 compared to 236 in the previous year. Half occurred in the two industries of construction (71) and agriculture, forestry and fishing (42).
• The number of reported major injuries to employees was down 2.2% to 30,213, on the previous year. Over a third of all reported major injuries were caused by slipping or tripping.
• The number of reported over-3-day injuries has fell by 8% in 2004/2005 to 120,346 of which 40% were caused by handling, lifting and carrying.

An estimated two million people suffered ill health that they believe was caused by a work related activity. This represents a reduction from 2.2 million in 2001/2. Stress and musculoskeletal disorders account for around two-thirds of occupational ill health

• Since 2000/2002 the number of working days lost has shown a statistically significant reduction, from 1.8 days lost per worker to 1.5 in 2004/2005. The estimated number of working days lost in 2004/2005 was 35.4 million. Around 80% of this figure is due to work related ill health.

This year’s report represents the mid point of the Health and Safety Commission’s (HSC’s) Revitalising health and safety targets. The targets are:

• To reduce fatal and major injuries by 5% by 2004/2005
• To reduce occupational ill health by 10% by 2004/2005
• To reduce working days lost by 15% by 2004/2005

The 2004/2005 national statistics show that the target on fatal and major injuries has not been met, although there has been progress against these in the past year. Fatal injuries fell by 7% in 2004/2005 and major injuries fell by 2.2%, representing the first fall in major injuries since 2000/2001.

For work related ill health, the incidence has fallen for most major categories. Overall, the target of a 10% reduction has probably been achieved. Similarly, for working days lost, there has been a significant fall since the base period and this may have been large enough to meet the target of a 15% reduction.

Outlining the action needed Bill Callaghan said, “A combination of factors is needed. Strong inspection and enforcement are vital, and we have to redouble our efforts to support local authority colleagues and work in even greater partnership. Initiatives such as moving goods safely are vital.”

"Our role is far wider than that of an enforcer. As an enabler we have supported partnership working in construction, food, paper and board and quarrying. Obviously the commitment of the social partners is crucial whether at sector level, company level or the shop floor. Partnership working between employers and employees does produce results."

Notes to editors

1. The figures for working days lost and occupational ill health are drawn from a number of surveys including the self-reported workplace ill health survey. It would appear from these sources that the targets in these two areas have been achieved, although both are subject to a 95% confidence interval.
2. HSC published its Strategy for workplace health and safety in Great Britain to 2010 and beyond on 23 February 2004. The strategy aims to promote a vision of health and safety as a cornerstone of a civilised society and to achieve a record of workplace health and safety that leads the world. The strategy is available at: www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/hsc/strategy.htm
3. The ‘Revitalising Health and Safety’ strategy statement, launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Chair of the Health and Safety Commission in June 2000, set national targets to reduce the incidence rate of fatal and major injuries, the incidence rate of work-related ill health and the rate of working days lost from work-related injury and ill health. The targets relating to ill health are also featured in ‘Securing Health Together: A long-term occupational health strategy for Great Britain’, launched by the Health and Safety Commission and Executive, in association with other government departments, in July 2000.
4. A statistical press release for the report has also been issued this is available on the HSE website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2005/index.htm#nov
5. HSE has a number of case studies illustrating the moral case for health and safety. These are available on request from HSE press office

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