The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has revealed that the waste and recycling industry causes more accidents than any other working environment.
The combined fatal and major injury rate in waste and recycling is more than four times the average across all industries. Statistics show that the average accident rate for all workplaces is 102 per 100,000 workers. The fields of disposal and recycling had 416 employees suffer a major or fatal mishap for the same number of 100,000 people.
In 2009/2010 a total of 530 major injuries were reported in the sector, a decrease of 10% on the previous year. Significant injuries, such as amputations and broken limbs, account for around one in four injuries in total. Long standing injuries that cause worker absence were also prevalent with 2,151 reported over the last year.
Unfortunately there were also four fatal incidents between April 2009 and March 2010.
The manufacturing sector is also a dangerous vocation. Twenty-two workers were killed last year and on average 158 employees per 100,000 suffer a major injury as a result of such production tasks.
Geoff Cox, HSE’s Head of Manufacturing 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 also added that more focus on health and safety will be needed as Britain moves out of the recession.
If you have been injured by an accident at work in the waste and recycling industry please call us for a free initial consultation on your claim. Our specialist solicitors and partners Adam Carr and Neville Filar can assist you with claims following breach of Heath and Safety rules at work on a no win no fee basis – call 01708 757575 or email adam.carr@ker.co.uk or neville.filar@ker.co.uk