Latest HSE figures released
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its latest summary statistics for Great Britain for 2023-24. We’ll be looking at these in closer detail at the start of the new year but here are some of the headline figures.
With over three-quarters of a million workers suffering from work-related stress, anxiety or depression, and 300,000 of them being new cases, this is an area not to be ignored. We explored ways to support your workers mental health back in our October blog.
Workplace injuries have shown a general downward trend since the start of the millennium, and figures for 2023/4 are back to pre-covid levels (after related statistical anomalies). Self-reported non-fatal injuries stand at 604,000 whilst employers reports of employee injuries are just over 61,000 in the year.
The majority of employer reported injuries were caused by slips, trips or falls on the same level (31%), which has long been the most common cause. Take a look at one of our past blogs to see what you could do to help eliminate or reduce this particular risk.
According to RIDDOR (The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) there were 138 reported deaths from work-related accidents in the last year. The death rate compares favourably internationally, but at The Health & Safety Dept, we believe one death is too many.
Sadly, there is also estimated to be 12,000 deaths from lung disease, linked to past exposures at work, with over 2,000 caused by mesothelioma. Given its associated links with asbestos exposure and what you need to do to keep yourself and others safe, check out our article which focuses on this later in the newsletter.
Asbestos awareness
In January 2024 the HSE launched The Asbestos – Your Duty campaign. This was to reach those responsible for the maintenance and repair of non-domestic buildings built before 2000.
Previously schools and hospitals have been the focus for investigation campaigns but now the HSE is going to narrow down on local authorities and the premises they are responsible for, such as libraries, leisure centres and museums.
The latest figures released from the HSE estimate that occupational lung disease related deaths are responsible for 12,000 out of the 13,000 deaths from work-related exposures in the last year.
Mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancers account for 40% of annual deaths from occupational lung disease. This is a stark reminder that employers have a duty to manage asbestos to eliminate risks to all.
The inspections will ascertain how local authorities are managing their Duty to Manage Asbestos. This is stipulated under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR).
The duty holder of buildings (in many cases this will be local authorities) must ensure that anyone who visits or works in affected buildings are protected against the risk of exposure to asbestos. If left undisturbed they should not pose a risk, but ensuring they are left undamaged is the key here.
The key requirements of duty holders include:
- Taking steps to ascertain if there are asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in their buildings, and if so, the amount, where it is and what condition it is in.
- Presume materials contain asbestos unless clear evidence suggests they don’t.
- Keeping records up-to-date of the location and condition of any ACMs – including those presumed to contain asbestos.
- Assessing the risk of exposure to fibres from ACMs.
- Preparing a detailed asbestos management plan (AMP) that stipulates how the risks from ACMs will be managed and put this plan into action.
- Ongoing evaluations of the plan and responding to the findings, so the plan and arrangements remain up to date.
- Disseminating information on the location and condition of ACMs to anyone who may work on, or disturb, them.
Having robust systems in place to allow portfolios to be effectively and safely managed is fundamental to ensuring risks are reduced or eliminated.
While the current focus of this initiative is currently on local authorities, it is a reminder that any professional who suspects asbestos may become disturbed during works should know how to respond appropriately.
As the HSE push forward with their The Asbestos – Your Duty campaign, consider if you need support in your business with asbestos awareness. Our eLearning courses are designed to ensure workers are fully briefed on the dangers of working with asbestos and will show how you can be compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR).
We offer accessible and time efficient courses that can keep staff up-to-date with current legislation. The majority of our eLearning courses are just 30 minutes long so learners will stay alert and engaged. Contact us now if you’d like to know more.
We can also work with you to ensure that you are complying with CAR and keeping everyone safe from the risks posed by asbestos. Get in touch with us today if you need support with asbestos management.
Hit by moving vehicle risk
From the 138 work-related fatalities identified in the latest HSE published figures for 2023/4, the second biggest cause, after falling from height, was being struck by a moving vehicle. In the year this caused just over 18% of work-related deaths.
During November, the HSE reported on prosecutions for two fatalities and one serious injury caused by moving vehicles at work.
In each case the HSE’s subsequent investigations had found severe issues with the health and safety procedures of each company. The findings across the three cases included that there were incomplete policies and risk assessments, as well as lack of training and systems of work not being documented or followed.
Between them, as well as the tragic fatalities and in one case life-altering injuries, these three prosecutions resulted in fines totalling £1.84 million.
Loss of life or serious injury are amongst the most serious outcomes from substandard health and safety protocols. Here at The Health & Safety Dept we want to help your business comply with all laws and regulations to keep your workers and business safe at all times.
Our eLearning courses can be the perfect way to upskill your employees in areas of health and safety. Given the HSE found severe issues with the businesses whose employees were hit by a moving vehicle, Banksman Training may be a cost effective way to help your workforce operate safely.
Banksman training will introduce or refresh workers who are involved with manoeuvring large vehicles, directing vehicles on site and keeping areas clear from pedestrians.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your business be the best it can when it comes to health and safety. Our expert team are on hand to ensure that all policies, training and risk assessments are compliant and are tailored to your business.
eLearning of the month: Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention and Health and Safety Essentials
As winter approaches, the risks of slips, trips, and falls increase due to wet and icy conditions. It’s crucial to be prepared and ensure a safe working environment during this season.
The Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention Training course by The Health & Safety Dept is designed to help staff understand why these accidents happen and how to prevent them. This course covers the responsibilities of both employers and employees, the common hazards, and practical steps to minimise risks, especially in winter when surfaces can be particularly treacherous.
Similarly, the Health and Safety Essentials course provides a comprehensive introduction to key health and safety topics. This course covers a wide range of hazards, including slips, trips, and falls, manual handling, and working with display screen equipment. It emphasises the importance of understanding and following health and safety policies to prevent accidents and ensure everyone’s well-being.
We offer accessible and time-efficient courses that can keep staff up to date with current legislation. Many of our eLearning courses are just 30 minutes long, so learners will stay alert and engaged. Contact us now if you’d like to know more.
We also have handy ToolBox Talks, which are a great way to keep employees up to date with the latest safety issues and act as a useful reminder to staff. We will tailor these to your business and site so that your workforce can continue to work safely and effectively.
Stay safe and ensure a secure workplace this festive season. Contact us today to learn more and give your team the peace of mind they deserve.
