In 2008/9 53 construction workers were killed at work, a 26% decline on the 72 deaths recorded in 2007/8. Despite the decline in deaths, which was mainly due to the recession, and the major reduction in work being undertaken, construction remains the most dangerous industry in Britain.
Although the number of fatalities declined the number of deaths in London in 2008/9 were 11 the same number as in the previous year. In Scotland there were 10 deaths, one fewer than in 2007/8. In the South West of England there were 8 deaths, the same number as in 2007/8.
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Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of construction union UCATT, said: "Any reduction in fatalities must be welcomed. But it is disturbing that deaths are disproportionately higher in some regions. Construction remains the most dangerous industry in Britain."
The most common cause of death of construction workers remains falls. Last year 21 construction workers were killed by falls, 40% of the total number of construction deaths. The second most common cause of death was being hit by a moving or falling object, which killed five workers 9% of all construction deaths.
Mr Ritchie, added: "UCATT believes that all construction deaths are preventable and these statistics underline that. Unless companies are prosecuted following the death of a worker and levels of enforcement action are increased, such entirely preventable accidents will remain all too frequent."
It is estimated that management failure is a factor in over 70% of construction fatalities but only 30% of companies are prosecuted following the death of a construction worker.
(CD/GK)
