The latest annual report and statement of accounts by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSE NI), covering the period April 2008 to March 2009, has revealed that reported injuries at work fell by 12% on the previous year.
Moreover, according to the report, workplace injuries have dropped by 30% since the HSE NI was established 10 years ago.
Professor Peter McKie, HSE NI's Chairman, said, "April of this year saw the HSE NI reaching its tenth anniversary and over these ten years, despite rising levels of employment, we have seen a 33% reduction in the number of reported work-related injuries. Whilst one must always remain cautious against reading too much into statistics, this is 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 the HSE NI since its establishment as the regional authority for health and safety in 1999. This approach is based on three complementary strands; the provision of advice and assistance; the recognition of good practice and the relentless pursuit of those who blatantly flout the law."
Professor McKie added, "I must recognise the assistance of the courts in driving home the importance of the effective management of health and safety which has resulted in a significant rise in the levels of fines for health and safety offences over the past decade. For many firms this is a powerful deterrent. Credit must also be paid to the work undertaken by the HSE NI's enforcement partners, the district councils, who have supported the HSE NI in its drive to tackle the priority issues and have undoubtedly contributed to the improvements seen over recent years."
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