Amended Motion 86
Decline of Safety in the Workplace
“That this Congress notes the HSE reported in 2023-24, that 138 workers were killed in workplace accidents in Britain is of great concern.
“Scotland had the highest death rate by region at 18 deaths.
“Congress also notes that at 51 deaths, construction was the sector with most workplace deaths, a 70% increase on the previous year.
“Although workplace deaths broadly remained in line with pre-pandemic levels, however whilst not at 2018/19 levels, the trend remained worryingly high in 2023/24.
‘Additionally, numbers of non-fatal accidents have not appreciably decreased for 20 years, with work-related mental ill-health increasing dramatically over this period.’
“Congress is rightly concerned by these figures and the fact that there was an increase from the previous years suggests more needs to be done.
“With £100 million of government funding being seized from the HSE budget since 2011 and a rapid decline of HSE inspectors, over 25% since 2010, the effects of which are stark and visible, which are being borne out by the statistics.
“Congress notes also a reported 32% fall in unannounced visits by the HSE is having a rapid and immediate negative impact on workplace safety as is the failure of the HSE to take prosecutions against employers destroying employees’ mental health’
“Add into the mix recruitment and retention problems, financial pressures, profit margins for companies and increased workloads for employees, workplace safety may not be the priority it once was which has led to a decline in workplace conditions.
“We are witnessing the decline of safety in the workplace.
“Congress calls upon the General Council to:
- carry out in depth surveys on employees’ views on health and safety within their workplaces;
- raise a new education campaign to highlight workplace health and safety issues;
- lobby the Westminster government to increase its funding of the HSE;
- lobby the Westminster Government and HSE to ensure that an appropriate amount of any extra funding is used to return the number of qualified Inspectors to the levels seen in 2000
- urge the HSE to reconsider how it disperses its resources on site visits and to investigate cases of work-related mental ill health; and
- work with affiliates and employers to promote a reinforced health and safety campaign/drive.”
Mover: East Kilbride & South Lanarkshire Trades Council
Seconder: Prospect
Supporter: NASUWT
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