Construction union UCATT have welcomed provisional figures published by the Health and Safety Executive which show a 20% reduction in construction deaths.

The figures published by the HSE show that in 2012/13 there were 39 fatal accidents involving construction workers, compared to 48 construction fatalities in 2011/12. In 2012/13, the HSE have also recorded five deaths of the public due to construction accidents.

Steve Murphy, General Secretary of UCATT, said: "The reduction in construction deaths is good news. However 1 death let alone 39 is far too many. Workers are still being killed when the construction output is at its lowest level for a generation. It is essential that everyone involved in construction, the employers, the Government, unions and the HSE work together to ensure that deaths are further reduced and that the industry becomes safe for all workers."

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UCATT are extremely concerned that as the industry begins to recover from recession and new workers and companies enter the industry, deaths will increase. Following previous recessions and recoveries, fatality rates have increased markedly.

Mr Murphy added: "The Government's policies are making workplaces more dangerous. Safety laws are being cut and inspections are being reduced. Employers who ignore safety laws, know they are unlikely to be caught. This will increase workplace dangers, especially as the industry becomes busier."

(CD/JP)