Deaths down in construction

Deaths down in construction

There has been a marked decrease in construction fatalities in Britain, the new Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures show. In 2009/10 there were 41 deaths in the construction sector, down from 52 fatalities in the sector the year before. UCATT general secretary Alan Ritchie welcomed the reduction, but added: 'The reduction is primarily due to the economic downturn, which has not only meant that fewer people are working on construction sites, but has reduced time pressures, reduced working hours, and decreased the number of inexperienced workers on site, all of which are major factors in accidents.' The union warned deaths could increase in the future, as the industry continues to recover from recession. UCATT is also concerned that Lord Young's review of safety regulations, at the request of prime minister David Cameron, could lead to a weakening of safety standards (Risks 463). Alan Ritchie said: 'The challenge for everyone concerned about safety is to ensure that the number of deaths in construction continues to be reduced as the industry recovers and activity increases. Rather than looking to reduce safety provisions the government should be ensuring workers are safe by increasing the number of inspections and enforcement activity.'

• UCATT news release.