NEWS RELEASE 18 November 2004 For immediate release
STUC concerned at lack of progress in preventing workplace accidents in Scotland
The STUC has expressed concern that a failure by the Government to acknowledge the need for increased resources for the Health and Safety Executive will lead to an increase in workplaces related accidents.
Speaking shortly after the HSE published the Scottish statistics for the year ended 31 March 2004, Ian Tasker STUC Assistant Secretary said,
"Already in this HSE reporting year from 1 April, Scotland has witnessed the horrific happenings in Maryhill where nine workers lost their lives in the Stockline tragedy and only this week two Scottish construction workers have lost their lives in site accidents".
"The figures from the HSE issued today show for the year in question fatalities have reduced significantly although even at this early stage it is clear this will not be repeated this year. Additionally the figures for major injuries suffered by Scottish workers by 109 and less serious injuries remain relatively static".
"However the STUC welcomes the increase in the amount of prosecutions being brought by the HSE that has resulted in an increase in successful convictions of 6%. This increased rate of prosecutions has resulted in average fines that are substantially increased from last year and we believe that only further moves in this direction will deter employers from putting their workers lives at risk".
"As the Government continues to support a more business friendly Health and Safety agenda in parallel with their desire to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses the STUC is extremely concerned that the outcome of these policies will be more workplace fatalities and accidents"
"Research provides further evidence that unions work in protecting the health and safety of their members and those in non unionised workplaces are more likely to suffer occupational injury or ill-health or injury than those with the protection offered by trade union membership".
"The STUC believes that this protection alone should be sufficient reason for Scottish workers to join a trade union". Ends
For further information, please contact:
Tel: 0141 337 8100 / Fax: 0141 337 8101 www.stuc.org.uk
Ian Tasker, STUC Assistant Secretary : Office 0141 337 8100
Notes to editors
Full details of the HSE Statistics for Scotland can be found in the HSE website http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/regions/scotland.pdf