HSE publishes health and safety statistics for 2007/08

E053:08 29 October 2008

New statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today reveal a reduction in the numbers of people killed, injured or made ill by work during 2007/08.

Reported major injuries at work fell by around 9% since the start of the decade and this trend continues. Work-related ill-health has also fallen across the period, although the rate of improvement here is not as great as hoped. Workplace deaths also fell by around 5% to 229. Across the EU, Great Britain (GB) has one of the lowest rates of work-related fatalities and injuries.

Judith Hackitt, Chair of the HSE said:

"Any improvement in the number of people being injured or made ill by work must be welcomed. However, there is a need for a step change. Of particular concern are the agriculture, construction and waste and recycling industries. I am also concerned that slips and trips - which can have an enormous impact on peoples' lives - are still not reducing. HSE is developing a new strategy that seeks to renew commitment from all those involved in health and safety to tackle these challenges and more.

"In the difficult and uncertain months ahead I urge employers not to take their eyes off the ball. Good business management will be vital and good health and safety management is an integral part of that. Health and safety contributes positively to competitiveness and should not be sacrificed in times of financial pressure."

The statistics for 2007/08 show:

Ill health

• 2.1 million people were suffering from work related illnesses

Injuries

• Over 136,000 workers suffered injuries such as amputations, burns or fractures

Working days lost

• 34 million working days were lost in GB due to injury and ill-health

Fatalities

• 229 people were killed at work

Enforcement

• 1028 offences were prosecuted by HSE
• 354 offences were prosecuted by local authorities

Notes to editors

1. The reporting of health and safety incidents at work is a statutory requirement, set out under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR). A reportable incident includes: a death or major injury; any accident which does not result in major injury, but the injured person still has to take four or more days off their normal work to recover; a work-related disease; a member of the public being injured as a result of work-related activity and taken to hospital for treatment; or a dangerous occurrence (which does not result in a serious injury, but could have done).
2. More information about HSE can be found at: http://www.hse.gov.uk
3. HSE publishes a full range of workplace health and safety statistics. These can be viewed at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/index.htm

Press enquiries

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