The HSE’s health and safety statistics 2004/2005 report shows the rate of reported fatal and major injuries in construction between 1999/2000 and 2004/2005 has fallen by around 24%.
When comparing rates of over-three-day injury, there has been, the HSE said, a reduction of around 15% across all industries between 1999/2000 and 2004/2005. In construction the rate has dropped by 35%.
But chief inspector of construction, Stephen Williams, said: “Difficult challenges still face the industry.”
He said it must continue to show leadership in taking further action to drive through the cultural and behavioural changes needed for further improvement.
Williams added: “Falls from height are still a major concern, accounting for almost 40% of the 71 workers who were killed in 2004/2005. Each death is still one too many and simple measures could have prevented them.”
Work-related ill health affects a significant number of construction workers. The sector has one of the highest rates of musculoskeletal disorders of all industries.
“The HSE will continue working in partnership with the industry to gain improvements in the management of occupational health, as well as the issues it faces with safety,” Williams concluded.
