Increase In Workplace Fatalities "Deeply Worrying"

4.12.00pm GMT Thu 18th Nov 2004

Figures published today by the Health and Safety Executive showing a worrying 4% increase in fatal injuries to workers and 9% increase in the number of reported major injuries to employees in 2003/04.

Commenting on these figures Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Work, Paul Holmes MP, said: "This increase in fatalities and major injuries is deeply worrying. The Government's admission that it may not meet its workplace safety targets raises serious concern about the possibility of future accidents at work.

"If the Government is serious about health and safety at work, then they need to ensure that inspectors are not wiped out by Government civil service cuts."

Notes

1. These stats can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2004/e04160.htm