Renewed call to reduce workplace death and injury in Essex

EMPLOYERS in Uttlesford are being urged to start the New Year with a stronger commitment to health and safety.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) warning comes after the number of work-related fatalities in Essex rose, out of step with the total number of work-related deaths across Britain being at a record low.

According to figures released for 2009/10, six people in Essex were fatally injured at work, an increase of three.

One of those was in Uttlesford: in November 2009 a High Roding man who worked at Boddingtons Electrical Ltd on the Chelmsford Road industrial estate in Great Dunmow died after metal toppled down on top of him.

Some 622 people in the district also received serious workplace injuries this year, an increase of 22 from the previous year.

There were 2409 serious workplace injuries and 10 deaths recorded in the East of England in 2009/10 in total, compared to 2473 and 12 deaths during the previous twelve months.

Regional director for HSE in the East of England Heather Bryant said: “Employers have a legal duty to protect their workers and I would encourage them to make it their New Year’s resolution to take sensible precautions to prevent injuries in the workplace.

“The national fall in numbers of workers killed or injured through their work is encouraging but we must also remember that each death results in a family missing a loved one this festive season.

“The increase in 2009/10 in Essex is extremely disappointing following several years of improvement.

“Employers cannot be complacent; they must stay vigilant and learn the lessons from the past to ensure they protect their workers in the future. Putting in place simple, straightforward health and safety measures can save lives.

“It is not good for companies or their workers if they are off through an injury or ill-health.”