A significant feature of the surface engineering industry is the diversity of the technology.
Most of the approximately 2000 companies in the UK industry operate in the sub-contract sector; i.e. offering processing techniques to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The majority are small companies employing less than 50 people and specialize in specific processes.
A number of larger companies have their own 'in-house' processes finishing their own manufactured components. In total the industry is a big business accounting for over £1 billion of sales per annum and employing over 10,000 people in the UK.
HSE’s contact with the industry is mainly through the Surface Engineering Association’s Health Safety and Environment Committee which, for over 10 years, has co-ordinated the interests and activities of all those involved with health and safety in the industry.
The industry has significantly higher accident rates (for fatal, major and 3-day injuries) than manufacturing as a whole. Indeed, whilst accident rates for manufacturing have dropped over the last 6 year period, in Surface Engineering industries they have increased. For example, the major injury rate for surface engineering has increased from 270 (per 100,000 employees) in 1996/7 to 445 in 2002/3 whereas the manufacturing industry rates have fallen from 206 to 196 over the same period.
The actual figures for serious and less serious injuries will be much higher than those quoted due to considerable under reporting to the enforcing authorities.
