Construction injuries up
December 1st 2008 HSE stats show a
reduction in the number
of people killed, injured
or made ill by work
during 2007/2008. The
figures show a 9%
reduction since the start
of the decade. But BSIF
secretary general, Geoff
Hooke, says the
construction sector's
slight rise in major injuries,
possibly due to the effects
of the credit crunch, is
worrying.
"With 15% less orders
placed in the last three
months and orders in the
private sector falling by
33%, construction workers
are having to work harder to
remain competitive," says
Hooke. "But it's important
that this doesn't mean
cutting corners, especially
where safety is concerned.
"With more than 30% of
all worker deaths occurring
within the construction
industry, it is more
important than ever that
adequate safety procedures
are in place. This means
adequate risk assessment
procedures, undertaken by
competent professionals
and adequate health and
safety training for key
personnel."
HSE figures: 229 people
killed at work; over 136,000
injuries such as
amputations, burns or
fractures; 2.1million people
suffering work related
illness; 34million lost days. More articles from British Safety Council: | 
