Waste and recycling injuries highest of all, finds HSE
New Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures have revealed that
the combined rates of fatal and major injuries in waste and
recycling is far higher than in any other industry.
The number of injuries total more than four times the average
across all other industries, found the HSE.
A total of 416 employees out of 100,000 suffer a major injury or
fatal work accident in the sector, compared to a total industry
average of 102 per 100,000.
Over 2009/10, a total of 530 major injuries – including
amputations or broken limbs - to employees in waste and recycling
were reported. The previous year, 590 were reported. Four workers
were killed in this sector between 2009 and 2010, which was three
fewer than in the previous year.
Geoff Cox, HSE's Head of Manufacturing, including waste and
recycling said, “We are encouraged that there have been fewer
deaths and injuries in waste and recycling, but the injury rate,
which is stubbornly consistent with that of the previous year,
paints a stark picture of how much more needs to be done.
“We also cannot view fewer deaths this year being any indication
of a downward trend. The industry cannot afford to be complacent.
HSE will continue to work with industry through the Waste Industry
Safety and Health (WISH) forum to look at ways to prevent people
being killed or injured needlessly,” he added