The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging the Government to reconsider HSE funding cuts to stop falls from height
This call follows the release of recent statistics by the HSE, which highlight falls from height as the main cause of workplace fatalities, particularly affecting the construction industry.
Falls from height are disproportionately high in construction
According to the latest data from the HSE for the year 2022/23, falls from height led to 40 fatal injuries, accounting for 30% of all worker deaths during that period. The construction suffered a disproportionate share of these deaths.
Incidents where workers were struck by moving vehicles accounted for 20 fatal injuries, making up 15% of the total deaths for the year. 21% of workplace fatalities were attributed to individuals being struck by a moving, flying, or falling object.
“Unfortunately, the HSE has experienced significant budget cuts over the last decade, which could feasibly lead to an inability to deliver advisory and regulatory functions and justice for victims,” commented Karen McDonnell, RoSPA’s policy advisor.
“We, therefore, ask the question, if we can’t stop old accidents happening to new people with the resources we have, how can we expect the HSE to effectively tackle emerging risks, such as the growth of the gig economy, worsening mental health and the move towards net zero?” she asked.
The HSE has experienced long-term funding cuts
RoSPA’s data analysis reveals a concerning trend: there has been a nearly 50% reduction in progress for fatal workplace injuries over the past decade. While 1990-2010 saw a significant 68% decrease, recent years (2010-2022) show slower progress, with only a 36% reduction.
During this period, the HSE faced substantial challenges, with a 43% budget cut from 2009-2010 to 2020-2021 and a 35% staff reduction since 2010.
Budget and staffing issues may have contributed to the slowdown in reducing fatal workplace injuries. Addressing these challenges at the HSE is crucial to improving efforts and achieving sustained progress in workplace safety.
“We urge the Government to address the ticking timebomb of workplace injury and ill-health by raising its investment in the HSE so it can effectively protect lives, livelihoods, and Britain’s businesses. Only then can the UK retain its status as a beacon of health and safety,” concluded McDonnell.
