Waste industry records drop in death rate

Five workers were killed in the waste and recycling sector during 2011-12 according to latest statistics released by the Health & Safety Executive.


The provisional data for April 2011 to March 2012 equates this to a rate of 4.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. This compares to an average of six deaths in the past five years, and a decrease from the nine deaths (and rate of 8.4) recorded in 2010-11.

The fatalities occurred at European Metal Recycling, Armstrong’s Environmental Services, Alex Corrie Skip Hire, James Environmental Management and Fred Sherwood & Sons Transport.

The deaths were due to vehicle collisions, or being crushed or caught in heavy machinery.

Commenting on the data, HSE chair Judith Hackitt said that the “real tragedy” of these health and safety failures were the lives cut short and loss of loved ones.

“We want employers to focus on the real risks that continue to cause death and serious injury,” she urged.

“HSE is working very hard to make it easier for people to understand what they need to do and to focus on the real priorities. Protecting people from death and serious injury at work should be at the heart of what we all do.”

Maxine Perella

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