The number of people killed at work
in Britain fell last year to a record low,
according to data released by the HSE.

Figures show that 151 workers were
killed between 1 April 2009 and 31
March 2010 compared to 178 deaths
in the previous year and an average
number over the last 5 years of 220
deaths per year.

Judith Hackitt, HSE chair, says: “It’s
really very encouraging to see a
further reduction in workplace
fatalities in the past year. This is
performance which owes much to
good practice, leadership and
employee engagement. No doubt the
recession has resulted in lower levels
of activity in some sectors.

“We should also remember that
151 families are mourning the loss of
someone who last year went out to
work and never came home. Being
one of the best health and safety
performers in the world means
continuing to strive to drive these
numbers down further – not getting
complacent about what we’ve
collectively achieved and recognising
the new challenges as we emerge from
the recession.”