Health & Safety

Housing to Blame for Deaths Rise

Health and Safety Executive figures reveal there were 3.7 deaths per 100,000 workers in the construction industry last year.

This is a 23 percent rise on 2005-2006 rates and goes against a 15 year long downward trend. Overall, 77 workers died compared with 60 the year before.

The housing sector accounted for most of the rise, with fatal accidents in new-build more than doubling to 16. Deaths in housing refurbishments and repair surged from 12 to 22.

The HSE has called for better monitoring and training of subcontractors and for improved buildings and products design in the new-build housing sector.

January 2008