The Annual Report and Statement of Accounts prepared by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has shown that the number of injuries at work has fallen since last year.
The figures from April 2009 to March 2010 also state that overall reported injuries are down by over a third since the HSENI was established in 1999. In addition, the number of fatal injury incidents has dramatically decreased, going from 19 in the previous year to 6.
The chairman of the HSENI, Professor Peter Mckie, said, “This is yet again a very significant reduction and I see the continuing downward trend as a clear endorsement of the innovative and challenging approach that has been adopted by HSENI since its establishment.”
He continued, “This approach is based on three complementary strands: the provision of advice and assistance particularly to small businesses; the recognition of good practice amongst both the private and public sectors and the relentless pursuit of those who blatantly flout the law and put the lives of the general public at risk.”
Professor Mckie added, “Credit must also be paid to the work undertaken by the HSENI’s enforcement partners, the District Councils, who have supported the HSENI in its drive to tackle shared priority health and safety issues and have undoubtedly contributed to the improvements seen over recent years.”
