HSE Statistics Reveal that the UK Remains One of the Safest Places to Work

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its annual report on work-related ill-health, workplace injuries, working days lost, enforcement action taken, and the associated costs this incurs.

Despite a challenging year for the UK due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the statistics have shown that the UK is one of the safest places in the world to work, with the lowest number of deaths on record in 2019/20.

The report has, however, found that half of working days lost were down to ill mental health, part of which could be contributed due to the pandemic in the final quarter of the 2019/20 period.

Falls from height accounted for 8% of non-fatal injuries in the workplace. Of the 111 workplace fatalities during this period, the construction industry accounted for 40 of these, with 29 fatalities due to falls from height.

Whilst fatalities statistics have been dropping consistently for the last four decades, 29 fatalities in the past year remains too high a figure, highlighting the vital importance of utilising best practice techniques whilst working at height, to reduce the risk of accidents and subsequent fatalities.

Here at SIMIAN, we support businesses and scaffolding professionals in understanding and putting into practice the highest safety standards for work at height, something that the UK is regarded for around the world.

Speak to our team today to find out more about how we can support you to ensure your workforce as a whole, is operating safely.