Deaths
in the UK workplace rose by 34 per cent last year, according to a report
published by the Health & Safety Executive today.
The
survey shows that there were 295 deaths among British workers compared to 220
in 1999/2000, an increase in the rate of fatal injuries from 0.8 to 1.1 per
cent per 100,000 workers.
The
construction industry was the hardest hit sector, accounting for 106 deaths out
of the 295 fatalities.
Of
those killed, 73 died because of falls from heights, 64 from moving vehicles,
52 from falling and moving objects, and 37 by objects collapsing or overturning.
TUC
general secretary John Monks hit out at employers following the results.
He
said, “These numbers should wipe away any trace of complacency in Britain’s
boardrooms. Last week we heard about British bosses paying themselves huge
bonuses, this week we hear about the price that workers pay in injuries,
illness and ultimately death.”
He
urged employers to take responsibility for the rise in deaths at work and
renewed calls for a new law against corporate killing.
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By
Karen Higginbottom
