NEWS RELEASE
28 July 2005 For immediate release
STUC concerned at dramatic rise in workplace fatalities
The Scottish TUC has expressed concern at the rise in fatalities suffered by Scottish workers in latest figures announced by the Health and Safety Commission today (28 July 2005).
Ian Tasker, STUC Assistant Secretary said
" It is extremely disappointing to note this unacceptable rise in workplace fatalities from 9 to 33 a rise of over 350% and the reduction witnessed in the previous year has not been sustained".
"In a year where Scotland witnessed the worst industrial incident that in itself claimed the lives of nine workers, a further 24 families have suffered the loss of a loved one as a result of injuries sustained at work".
" These families suffer immeasurable grief and heartache, emotions that live with them long after the announcement of HSC statistics has faded into memory".
"We believe that proper inspection and enforcement is the only way that workplaces can be made safer and these figures make it clear there is no room for soft touch enforcement and regulation as far as health and safety goes".
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For further information contact Ian Tasker T 0141 337 8100