Getty Images
n By Keith Hatch
TOPPING THE GRIM TABLE
The latest set of HSE statistics for workplace deaths has shown the numbers are rising. And construction workers continue to top the grim table.
The report, Work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain, 2024 says, “The construction and agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors continue to account for the greatest number of workers killed in fatal accidents each year, between them accounting for just over half of all fatal injuries to workers in 2023/24.”
Last year 138 workers were killed in work-related accidents with 51 working in construction, an increase from the previous year’s 47 fatalities. The majority of deaths were the result of falling from height.
Luke Collins, Unite national health and safety adviser said, “It’s heartbreaking to see more workers are losing their lives within the workplace. Nobody should go to work and be injured or not return home, the fact this has increased in comparison to previous years further demonstrates the catastrophe of the previous hawkish government’s gutting of the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
“Effectively, their hands are tied, with limited HM Inspectors and competing interests, conducting proactive inspections has become a practice of the past. This has directly translated into more deaths and poor health and safety performance at the workplace.”
Though numbers are rising, it should be remembered that unionised workplaces are safer workplaces, with some estimates suggesting that workplaces with active trade unions have half the number of accidents than non-unionised ones.
Unite has a well-trained army of health and safety reps across the country. These reps work tirelessly to keep colleagues and fellow members safe. Luke explained, “It is vital that workplaces are unionised.
“Unite continues to invest in the education programmes and has recently launched three advanced health and safety rep courses. It is undeniable that the great work health and safety reps undertake at work each day contributes to making their
27 unite buildingWORKER Autumn 2024
place of work safer and keeping people alive.”
As well as Unite’s core training for health and safety reps and the new advanced course, many regions offer safety updates and short workshops and can even offer bespoke courses for particular workplaces.
Luke added, “Personally, I encourage any member who has an interest in health and safety to put themselves forward as a health and safety rep. Enjoy the courses, improve your knowledge and challenge bad practices within the workplace and help keep people safe.”
For more information about Unite training for health and safety reps, talk to your branch officers or regional education department.
Unite also has an ever growing library of health and safety resources available to reps. Visit https://resources.
unitetheunion.org/ and click on Bargaining Support.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
