New figures from the Health and Safety Executive for the year 2001/2002 show a drop of 15 per cent in the number of fatal injuries among Britain’s workers, with 249 deaths compared to 292 in 2000/01. The rate of fatal injury dropped from 1.03 to 0.88 per 100,000 workers over the same period.

The number of fatal injuries to employees fell from 213 to 204, while fatal injuries to the self-employed fell from 79 to 45. A breakdown of the figures is available at

Of the 249 fatalities, 79 occurred in the construction industry and 39 in agriculture. In terms of type of fatality, 68 deaths were due to falls from height, 43 from moving or flying objects, and 40 from moving vehicles.

Commenting on the figures, Health and Safety Commission (HSE) Chair Bill Callaghan said: “Last year saw a considerable increase in the number of work-related fatalities in Britain – and I would have been bitterly disappointed to see the numbers remain at that level. However, it is too soon to draw conclusions on whether the 2001/2002 figures represent a long-term downward trend. For example, the figures are still 13 per cent higher than two years ago. Every death is one too many – and each causes pain and suffering for the victim, their friends and family. The levels are still unacceptable.

“I want to focus on three key areas. First, our research shows that fatalities occur because employers fail to carry out risk assessments and take appropriate action to minimise those risks associated with their work activities. This is not an optional extra – employers must do risk assessments or face the legal and moral consequences.

“Second, I want more companies to set their own improvement targets and to include health and safety performance in their annual reports. In an age when corporate reputation is king, no firm can afford the stigma of work-related death, injury and ill-health. Quite simply, it is bad for business.

“Third, I want every company to follow our guidance on directors’ duties. This will ensure that health and safety is taken seriously in the Board Room and that businesses are, at very least, complying with their legal and moral responsibilities.”