Government mustn’t forget work death toll
November 8th 2007 Health and safety body IOSH has welcomed some of the measures announced in the Queen’s speech, but has warned the government it still has more to do tackle the toll of death and injury in the UK’s workplaces.
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) said that it welcomes the government’s intentions to require employers to release young people for the equivalent of one day's training a week and also its plans to review flexible working for parents.
Lisa Fowlie, IOSH President, said: “We urge the government, educators and employers to ensure that new opportunities for young people to develop employment skills, including apprenticeships and specialist diplomas, will cover the necessary health and safety elements. We believe by doing this that we can help ensure that tomorrow’s workforce is better equipped for a safer and healthier working life.
“We also welcome the government’s plans to review flexible working arrangements for parents. It’s particularly important as more and more parents enter employment that recognition is given to their needs as carers of children and to helping them achieve a good work-life balance. We believe that less stressed workers are likely to be healthier, happier and also more productive.”
But Lisa reminded the government that 241 people were killed in the UK’s workplaces last year: “That’s a dreadful toll, and we hope that the government will do all it can to ensure we reduce that figure. We’re also concerned about the proposed house-building programme. Construction industry deaths reached a five-year high last year and house building and refurbishment activities have been a contributing factor to that. We call on the government and the industry to ensure safety is a priority during the drive to provide the nation with sufficient housing.”
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