Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
UK Construction Directory
Search our 157,465 companies....

Construction News

29/11/2010

Building Deaths Peak In Midlands & North West

Construction News Image
Detailed analysis by construction union UCATT has revealed that construction fatalities were highest in 2009/10 in the Midlands, North West, South East and Yorkshire.

Overall the number of construction deaths overall fell last year, with 42 workers being killed at work compared to 53 in 2008/9. The reduction in deaths was primarily due to fewer people working in the industry and a reduction in work pressures, as a result of the recession, rather than any significant improvements in safety.

Despite the substantial overall fall in deaths some regions witnessed an increase in deaths. The sharpest increase was in the Midlands where deaths increased from 1 to 7, there was also an increase in the North West where deaths rose from 5 to 6.
-- Advertisement --
hss



In Yorkshire and the South East the number of deaths in 2009/10 remained the same as in 2008/9 with 6 workers being killed in both regions.

The most likely cause of death remains falls and despite the overall number of workers being killed at reducing, the number killed by falls increased. In 2008/9, 21 workers were killed in falls and in 2009/10 that figure increased to 25, a 19% increase. The number of people killed by being hit by a moving vehicle also increased with 5 deaths in 2009/10 compared to 4 in 2008/9.

Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of UCATT, said: "The reduction of deaths is significant. However these figures reveal that loss of life in construction remains too common. The vast majority of these deaths were eminently preventable and everyone involved in the industry needs to work harder to ensure that fatalities are reduced."

(CD)

Latest Construction News

08/07/2025
Morgan Sindall Construction has announced the successful completion of the main building phase for the King Henry VIII 3-19 School redevelopment in Abergavenny, a transformative £62.5 million project delivered via the SEWSCAP framework. A celebration was held to mark the handover of the new building
08/07/2025
The government has today confirmed funding for over 50 road and rail infrastructure upgrades. These projects, which include long-awaited schemes such as the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route and the Portishead to Bristol city centre rail line, are anticipated to provide a substantial boost to the con
08/07/2025
The shortlist for the 2025 Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards has been unveiled by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Now in its fourth year, the initiative continues to champion the significant contributions of women across the industry, aiming to make female role
08/07/2025
Watts Group, a prominent property and construction consultancy, has today published the 30th edition of its widely respected 'Watts Pocket Handbook', marking nearly a decade since its previous release. Recognised as a vital resource for professionals across the built environment, this latest editi
08/07/2025
A team of staff from Leeds College of Building (LCB) recently made their debut at 'The Big Construction Diversity Challenge 2025'. The annual event, held on Friday, 27 June 2025, at Newark Showground, serves as a key platform to promote the crucial importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion (E
08/07/2025
Dan McGrail has been officially appointed as the permanent Chief Executive Officer of Great British Energy, the UK's publicly-owned clean power company. His appointment aims to accelerate the government's Plan for Change, with a core mission to establish the UK as a clean energy superpower. Mr McG
08/07/2025
Understanding Custom Rubber Diaphragms Custom rubber diaphragms are essential components in various industrial applications, playing a crucial role in enhancing performance and efficiency. As a manufacturer specialising in these versatile components, we've witnessed firsthand the impact th
08/07/2025
Modular tiles are among the most popular option for flooring at the minute. These bring character and sophistication through their layout. Most frequently these are made from porcelain which makes them multifunctional and highly durable. Modular tiles are suitable for old and new properties and are
07/07/2025
Travelodge has officially broken ground on a new 100-room hotel in Loughton, marking the latest addition to the UK's first budget hotel brand's expanding portfolio. The company, which operates more than 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, is aiming to meet growing demand for affordable ac
07/07/2025
Oldham Council has officially unveiled Snipe Gardens, a newly created green space and pedestrian gateway designed to provide a welcoming entrance into the town centre. Situated on the site of the former Snipe Inn pub, the new landscaped area links Oldham bus station with Henshaw Street. As one of t
Stuart CanvasAqua Direct LtdEfco UK LtdLakeside HireArgus Fire & Security LtdApollo Scaffolding Ties LtdTheos Timber Ltd (Manchester)Kedel LtdNorthern ContainersCaras UK Ltd