Fewer workers are badly hurt at work

THE number of major workplace injuries in Oldham have dropped by more than a third.

Figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that no deaths occurred in the borough from April, 2010, to March, 2011, compared with one worker who lost their life during the same period in 2009-10.

Major injuries were slashed by more than 35 per cent — with this year’s figures standing at 69, down from 109 the previous year.

Injuries where workers had to take three or more days to recover also tumbled from 411 to 345 during the 12-month period.

Despite the drop in figures locally, HSE bosses have urged companies to make safety even more of a priority in 2012.

It came after fatal workplace accidents rose nationally during the 2010-11 period by 24 deaths, two of which were in Greater Manchester. High-risk industries include construction, agriculture and waste recycling — which accounted for more than half of all deaths in Britain.

David Sowerby, HSE’s North- West director, said: “The families of the two workers in Greater Manchester who lost their lives last year had to face Christmas without them. These statistics highlight why we need good health and safety.

“Employers should spend their time tackling the real dangers that workers face rather than worrying about pointless paperwork.”

The UK has one of the lowest rates of workplace deaths in Europe.