Welsh Assembly Government signs pledge to reduce work related deaths and injuries

Date:

04 December 2009

Release No:

609/W/09

Five people in Wales died as a result of work-related incidents in 2008/09, and more than 1600 suffered major injuries at work.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan signing the pledge, accompanied by Sandy Blair (HSE board member)

Over the same period, 1.5 million working days were lost in Wales due to workplace injury and work-related ill-health.

First Minister for Wales, Rhodri Morgan has signed the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) pledge on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government − an initiative which aims to bring organisations together to commit to reduce the number of work-related deaths, injuries and ill-health.

The First Minister said:

"The Welsh Assembly Government has responsibility for business, economy and the health service, all of which are adversely impacted by work-related ill health. We call on employers to make the investment in good health and safety and better manage workplace risks."

"The fact that more than 1600 people have suffered serious injuries in the workplace in the last year is shocking. Work related accidents can be avoided and it is important that people are made to feel safe while going about their job.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan discusses the pledge with Sandy Blair (HSE board member) and Terry Rose (HSE Director, Wales)

HSE Director for Wales, Terry Rose added:

"This year we have seen a reduction in workplace fatalities and serious injuries in Wales, but this will be little comfort for those directly affected by what should have been preventable incidents. We are delighted that the Welsh Assembly Government has pledged its support to our initiative and hope that together we can take steps to reduce the numbers even further."

Added HSE Board member, Sandy Blair:

"Even in a challenging economic climate, the risks in the workplace are ever present as the latest statistics show.

"The challenge is to maintain the improvements that have been made as we move towards recovery and increased activity in some sectors.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Terry Rose (HSE Director, Wales) shake hands over the signed pledge

"In signing up to the pledge, the Welsh Assembly Government is agreeing to take a commonsense and practical approach to health and safety, looking at what it can do internally as well as it acting as a call to other organisations and businesses in Wales to make the same commitment.

"Better health and safety performance can not only save lives, but can bring about real business benefits."

Notes to editors

1. The 'pledge' is a way for organisations to show their support for HSE's new strategy which sees strong leadership and a common-sense, practical approach to health and safety as a way to improve performance in this area and bring about real business benefits.
2. Further information on the HSE pledge is available on the HSE website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/strategy/pledge.htm
3. Images attached show First Minister Rhodri Morgan signing the pledge, accompanied by Sandy Blair, (HSE board member) and Terry Rose (HSE Director, Wales).
4. In signing up to the pledge, The Welsh Assembly Government will:
   • agree to play our part in reducing the numbers of work-related deaths, injuries and ill-health in Great Britain;
   • call on employers to put health and safety at the heart of what they do and to take a common sense approach to health and safety;
   • commit to debunking myths around health and safety that trivialise the impact of injuries, ill health and deaths on individuals and their families;
   • recognise the importance of health and safety in difficult economic times and the dangers of complacency; and
   • pledge to work with the Health and Safety Executive and its partners to Be Part of the Solution.
5. In 2008/09, the Labour Force Survey showed that an estimated 1.5 million working days (full-day equivalent) were lost in Wales due to workplace injury and work-related ill health.
6. In 2008/09(p), 5 workers were fatally injured at work, compared with 19 workers in 2007/08. The number of major injuries to employees recorded in Wales fell from 1,753 in 2007/08 to 1,620 in 2008/09
7. For more statistics visit www.hse.gov.uk/statistics

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