Concerns over HSE statistics for recycling sector

Published yesterday (October 29), the 2007-08 figures show that major and fatal injuries to employees involved in recycling and waste management combined rose by 32% in the period from 2004-05 to 2007-08.

In the recycling sector in particular, serious or fatal injuries to employees rose from 133 in 2006-07 to 163 in 2007-08.

And, similar incidents increased in the sewage and refuse disposal sector from 294 to 425.

The HSE noted that changes to reporting could have affected the results, because it was now possible to register accidents over the phone and online. Meanwhile, accidents involving council employees were now recorded as occurring within a particular sector – such as refuse collection – rather than under the broader definition of 'public administration'.

However, HSE chair Judith Hackitt still expressed concern over the performance of the waste and recycling sector and singled it out as one of the worst-performing industries.

Commenting on the general picture in the UK, she said: “Any improvement in the number of people being injured or made ill by work must be welcomed. However, there is a need for a step change. Of particular concern are the agriculture, construction and waste and recycling industries.

“I am also concerned that slips and trips – which can have an enormous impact on peoples' lives – are still not reducing. HSE is developing a new strategy that seeks to renew commitment from all those involved in health and safety to tackle these challenges and more,” she added.

Statistics 

According to the statistics, 50 recycling employees were reported to have suffered fatal or major injuries from slipping or tripping in 2007-08 compared to 34 in 2006-07. A similarly marked increase was seen in injuries resulting from falls, which grew from nine to 23 over the same period.

At the same time, improvement was reported in the number of fatal or major employee injuries caused by being hit by a moving vehicle – falling from 11 to seven over the year.

For the sewage and refuse disposal sector, slips and trips were also reported to cause an increasing number of major and fatal injuries – up from 88 in 2006-07 to 144 in 2007-08, and injuries from handling grew from 50 to 87.

As a result of the findings, Ms Hackitt urged companies to prioritise health and safety – despite other pressures in the present economic climate.

She said: “In the difficult and uncertain months ahead I urge employers not to take their eyes off the ball. Good business management will be vital and good health and safety management is an integral part of that. Health and safety contributes positively to competitiveness and should not be sacrificed in times of financial pressure.”