STATISTICS - 22.11.2013

What do the numbers say?

Injuries at work

As we stated previously, 148 workers were killed at work in 2012/13 ( yr.11, iss.22, pg.8 , see The next step ). The HSE also received reports of 58,515 over seven-day injuries and 19,707 major injuries (broken bones, dislocations, etc.). Whilst most businesses are fortunate enough to avoid a fatal accident, many will be affected by serious injuries at some time. It is therefore worth knowing that 43% of major injuries are due to slips, trips and falls on the same level.

Tip. To reduce the chances of contributing to the statistics, get ready for winter weather by putting your gritting plan in place, cleaning slimy paving slabs, clearing leaves and managing wet floors.

Guilty parties

When it comes to the worst offenders, it’s the same old story. The waste and recycling sector continues to lead the way with 370 major injuries per 100,000 employees. Agriculture remains in second place with 239 major injuries per 100,000 while the construction industry is third, with 156 major injuries per 100,000. Although the numbers are lower than previous years, these sectors will continue to be inspected more frequently as a result.

Tip. If you are in one of these sectors and you report an incident in line with the Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), there is a very high chance of it being followed up by the HSE.

Under-reporting

When data was collected directly from workers about the number of serious injuries, the results were much higher - 175,000 reportable injuries rather than 78,222. The reporting rate for employee accidents is thought to be just below half of all occurrences. Not surprisingly, the reporting rate for the self-employed is very low.

Warning. Although not reporting accidents under RIDDOR is a criminal offence, it appears that more employers than ever are taking the risk of not making reports.

Tip. It’s not a good idea to fail to report accidents as the authorities have ways of finding out, e.g. via hospitals, newspaper reports or directly from informants. If the HSE finds out by an alternative source, they are much more likely to prosecute.

Ill health

Of the half a million or so new cases of work-related ill health within the working population, 80% are musculoskeletal disorders (back pain etc.) and stress/depression/anxiety. Occupations with the highest rates of contact dermatitis are hairdressers and florists.

Note. There are an estimated 8,000 deaths from occupational cancer every year, around half of which are linked to asbestos exposure. Other main causes are exposure to silica, diesel engine exhaust and mineral oils.

Tip. Enforcement priorities are directly linked to the health statistics. Therefore, if you are inspected, be prepared for questions on manual handling, stress, exposure to silica, asbestos, etc.

For a previous article, visit http://tipsandadvice-healthandsafety.co.uk/download (HS 12.06.03).