The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its annual statistics for 2023/24, and Integrity HSE has highlighted several positive trends, as well as areas that still challenge workplace safety.
The award-winning HSE and training consultancy commented that the economic cost of workplace injuries and new cases of ill health now stands at £21.6billion, which represents a £1.6billion reduction from the previous year.
However, the report also reinforces the severe outcomes that can follow occupational exposures, with an estimated 12,000 deaths linked to lung-damaging agents. Workplace injuries also remain an issue, with 61,663 incidents reported under RIDDOR, including 604,000 non-fatal injuries, and 138 tragic fatalities resulting from work-related incidents.
Darrell Lines, Integrity HSE operation’s director, said: “Although we accept there is a level of risk within all work activities, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done by industry.
"Our clients trust us to help them make their working world a safer, healthier and more sustainable place. Working with Integrity HSE gives them and their stakeholders a comforting peace of mind, and we encourage all companies to reach out to our experts.”
Mr Lines also commented on the 50-year anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, as well as the 85% reduction in employee fatalities during that time. He also recognised the continuing work of the HSE, and cited the drafting of new guidelines around engineered stone due to six cases of silicosis as an example of their good work.
If you would like to know more about the award-winning support services supplied by Integrity HSE, and hear about the ways the firm currently helps clients in a range of industries from energy to manufacturing, and food production to defence and aerospace, you can contact the team of subject matter experts on enquiries@integrityhse.co.uk