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UNDER
EMBARGO: 00.01 WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER, 2002
"SAFETY LAST?" REPORT UNEARTHS DRASTIC FALL
IN WORKPLACE INSPECTIONS
The Centre for Corporate Accountability and UNISON,
the UK's largest union, have today published a report
(timed to coincide with European Health and Safety
Week) shows a serious decline in the number of workplace
inspections - a 41% drop over the last five years.
In addition the report reveals that last year 80%
of "major" injuries to workers reported
to the HSE, and 70% of "dangerous occurrences",
were not even investigated.
The HSE is the government body with primary responsibility
for enforcing health and safety law across Britain,
but this detailed audit into its work shows that enforcement
is minimal and haphazard. Despite detailed policies,
the levels of inspections, investigations and prosecutions
are low and vary enormously by region and by industrial
sector.
Summary
of Key Findings in the report:
| • |
the
number of workplace inspections declined by 41%
in the last 5 years - a decrease of 48,300 inspection
contacts. |
| • |
on
average, a registered premise will receive an
inspection once every 20 years. |
| • |
one
in ten construction sites received an inspection
last year |
| • |
not
investigated in 2000/2001
• 3%
of deaths of workers
• 10% of deaths of the public
• 80% of major injuries to workers
• 93% of major injuries to the
public
• 55% of industrial diseases
|
|
| • |
only
11% of investigated major injuries resulted in
a prosecution |
| • |
in
the 5 year period 82% of major injuries to trainees
and those on work experience were not investigated
- 935 not investigated out of a total of 1144 |
| • |
half
as many deaths in Wales and West resulted in a
prosecution compared to the Midlands |
| • |
Table
of best overall record by region
- Midlands
- North West
- Wales and West
- Home Counties
- York and North East
- London and South East
- Scotland |
Further details of the findings including geographical
breakdowns CLICK
HERE
Further information from UNISON - Anne Mitchell on
0207 383 0717 or David Bergman at the CCA on 0207490
4494
For
Further information contact 020 7490 4494
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