Ground Workers - Fatal Injuries 2002 /2003
Ground Workers - Fatal Injuries 2002 /2003
By Mark Foley
Transport is spotlighted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as a major cause for concern relating to fatal injuries within the workforce.
Mobile plant operations and maintenance procedures will be the main focus for inspectors on site visits. Last year, transport accounted for a third of workplace deaths on sites; five, of these twelve deaths, were due to being struck by a moving vehicle, (usually a lift truck) and others, from vehicles overturning.
Manufacturers and importers of mobile plant need to be aware of their legal duties relating to, braking capacities, operator visibility and audible warning devices.
Employers have a legal duty to provide for mobile plant training and competency assessments, including, risks of slopes, pedestrians, open edges, awareness of braking capacities, (for tractors, lift trucks and other vehicles). Proactive maintenance of vehicles is an essential factor.
The figures below indicate the need, to continue, to address health and safety issues, encourage the self-employed to contact health and safety advisors and persist in broadening public awareness.
|
Fatal Injuries from 1998-2003 |
||||
| Year |
Employees |
Self-employed |
Members of the public |
Total |
| 2002/3 |
15 |
20 |
3 |
38 |
| 2001/2 |
20 |
19 |
2 |
41 |
| 2000/1 |
13 |
33 |
7 |
53 |
| 1999/2000 |
13 |
23 |
8 |
44 |
| 1998/9 |
16 |
30 |
9 |
55 |
| Source: Health and Safety Executive | ||||
Falling from a height is a 10% contributor to the fatality statistics. The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 endeavours to promote safe means of access when working at height.
During the 1990s, 44 children were killed on farms or similar sites and in the latter 5 years, 276 children were seriously injured.
The Health and Safety Executive will also be monitoring:
- Musculoskeletal disorders, (manual handling injuries accounting for 20% of non-fatal injuries)
- Asbestos management
- Occupational asthma
- Noise