HSENI reports fall in workplace deaths last year

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) today published its latest Annual Report which shows that the number of workplace deaths fell considerably during 2015/16. 

In 2015/16 workplace fatalities were down 48% to 12 compared to 23 in the previous year.  Farm related fatalities were down from nine to six and construction fatalities fell from five to two in 2015-16 compared to the previous year. 

While workplace fatalities decreased the number of major injuries reported increased 10% on last year, showing that companies cannot afford to be complacent. 

HSENI’s Chief Executive Keith Morrison said:

“Each fatality is a tragic event and is devastating for the family left behind.  HSENI is committed to preventing loss of life and reducing the number of workplace incidents. 

“While it is encouraging that there has been a decrease in the number of workplace fatalities, the overall number of serious incidents remains too high.   We will continue to focus on those activities and work areas where the most serious injuries are known to occur.

“HSENI will also continue to focus its resources on reducing occupational ill-health, such as occupational lung disorders and cancers, and improving the safety performance across all work sectors.”

The Annual Report highlights the work HSENI undertakes ranging from partnering with organisations to provide advice and raise health and safety awareness to its enforcement and inspection role. 

During 2015-16 HSENI, in conjunction with local councils, raised the issues of new and inexperienced employees in a ‘New to the job campaign’.  HSENI also carried out 5,576 inspections and served 155 formal enforcement notices where very poor practice was found.

HSENI’s Chairman George Lucas commenting on the reported said:

“The decrease in workplace deaths is significant and welcome.   

“However, the level of major incidents shows there is no room for complacency. All employers and employees must realise that workplace accidents are preventable and they must make health and safety a priority within their businesses.

“In particular I welcome the fall this year in farm fatalities.  Since the high number of farm fatalities in 2011 and 2012, and establishment of the Farm Safety Partnership in May 2012, we have seen a reduction of around 50% in the average number of farm fatalities each year. But we must stay focussed to ensure the improvement in recent years is a lasting one.  I would renew my plea to the farming sector to always think SAFE before starting any job.”