HSE annual fatality statistics released
The latest annual fatality statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advise 123 workers were killed in work-related accidents between 2021 and 2022. This figure is lower than the previous year and follows a long-term downward trend in fatal injuries to workers, although in the years prior to the coronavirus pandemic the rate was broadly flat.
The construction industry is responsible for the highest number of industry fatalities, with 30 during the recorded period. This was followed by agriculture, forestry and fishing (22 fatalities) and manufacturing (22) industries.
Falls from height responsible for highest worker fatalities
Falls from height were responsible for the highest number of fatal accidents amongst workers (29 fatalities), followed by struck by moving vehicle (23) and struck by moving object (18).
What is working at height?
Work at height means work in any place where, if there were no precautions in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.
There are many instances where a landscape worker may be required to work at height but may not be immediately obvious. For example, an operative is working at height if they:
■ are working on a ladder;
■ could fall from a retaining wall;
■ could fall into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground.
Analysis by HSE of accidents involving a fall from height has revealed in many cases safe access had not been provided. Where regular or frequent access to height is required, permanent safe access arrangements should be installed.
The HSE have produced a useful guide for employers, which highlights the considerations required where operatives are required to work from height. Please click the link below for more information.