November 2013 Health and Safety Legal Update:

The latest safety statistics have been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE):    

  • 148 people killed in work related accidents
  • 78,222 other injuries reported under RIDDOR.
  • 175,000 over 7 day injuries reported.
  • 1.1 million people suffering from work related ill health.
  • 27 million working days lost due to work related ill health or injury.
  • Work related ill health or injury costs the UK £13.8 billion per year.
These statistics are clearly an indication that although trends are showing an improvement year on year, we still have some way to go as a country. 

The actual figures for reported injuries are likely to be higher due to some companies not reporting incidents, in case this initiates an visit from the HSE or other enforcement officers. Companies can be prosecuted for just not reporting RIDDOR reportable incidents, even if no other issues are found!

I am still surprised when I visit well established organisations and they have never heard of RIDDOR and don't understand the basics of the reporting requirements.

Reported Injury Rates:

Have been on a downward trend for the last few years. This years statistics cannot be directly compared however as they are now over 7 days injuries included in the statistics, but appear to be on a downward trend still.


Major injury rates can be compared and these again are lower 19,707 and rate of 78.5 per 100,000 workers. (22,094 and 88.5 respectively last year.) 

Fatal Diseases (Mesothelioma.)

Over half of people who die from an Asbestos Related disease, die from Mesothelioma. This is still on the rise as are other Asbestos Related Illnesses:

  • 4,000 total deaths from Asbestos related illnesses.
  • 2,300 deaths from Mesothelioma.
  • 2,000- Industrial Illness Disablement Benefits as a result of Asbestos illnesses.
  • Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) claims are also on the rise over this and are estimated to continue to rise for the foreseeable future. 

Self Reported Ill Health:

New cases of self-reported work-related ill health have generally fallen over the past decade. 

The number of new cases of stress, depression or anxiety has fallen from an estimated 254,000 in 2001/02 to 221,000 and musculoskeletal disorders from an estimated 216,000 in 2001/02 to 141,000. 

I have worked for many companies over the last few years and these statistics if nothing else prove that work related stress and musculoskeletal disorders are still a massive issue in the UK. 

Appropriate safeguards to help prevent work related stress and musculoskeletal disorders can not only help prevent these absences but also reduce the likelihood and consequences of possible personal injury claims on these issues.

Health and Safety Prosecutions:

I have worked with a number of companies, over the last few years, who have had legal action taken against them, in fact some companies only employ expert health and safety advice, after enforcement action has been started. Believe me it is a very stressful process for all involved.

In the last 12 months:

■ Over the 706 prosecution cases heard in Great Britain in 2012/13p, there were 1217 offences prosecuted, an increase of 2% from the previous year. Of these, 1069 offences resulted in a conviction, a rate of 88%.

■ Out of the 1217 offences prosecuted:

• HSE prosecuted 946 offences in England and Wales, a drop of 0.5% from the previous year, and secured 824 convictions (87%). 

• Local authorities prosecuted 240 offences in England and Wales, an increase of 21% from the previous year, and secured 216 convictions (90%).

• The Procurator Fiscal heard 31 offences in Scotland, a drop of 24% on the previous year, and secured 29 convictions (94%). 


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