Global increase in work-related accidents
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the number of work-related accidents has increased, and more people are dying from workplace injuries and illnesses. The ILO has subsequently attacked employers for neglecting Health and Safety standards at work.
Global safety at work practices
2005 statistics released at the 17th World Congress on Safety and Health at Work showed that 2.2 million workers are fatally injured as the result of a work-related accident, which is an increase of 10 % from three years previously. The figures now equate to around 6,000 cases per day. More information about the World Congress can be found at http://www.safety2005.org
Work-related accident figures have dropped in industrialised nations but have increased in other areas of the world, particularly Asia. A new World Day for Safety and Health underlines the need for a new 'safety culture' to prevent deaths in the workplace.
ILO Director-General Juan Somavia has said: "A safety culture must be nurtured through partnership and dialogue - governments, employers and workers..creating safe and healthy workplaces."
An ILO safety film launched at the Congress, called Accidents Don't Have to Happen, features work-related accidents that can happen on construction sites. Filmed in India, one of the worst places in the world for poor working conditions, it discusses the many health risks workers face. For recommendations for safe work practices, see www.ilo.org.
Compared to other parts of the world, the UK's track record is not as bad, and there are signs of improvement in terms of the implementation of workplace health and safety standards in this country. Improvements still need to be made, however, and the fact that some employers are not paying due attention to their legal obligations when it comes to preventing work accidents is still an issue.
The ILO, founded in 1919, is a UN agency which aims to promote social justice, employment rights and work-related health and safety standards. Amongst the standards it formulates are freedom of association; the right to organise; abolition of forced labour; equality of opportunity and issues relating to industrial relations. For more information, visit the ILO website at www.ilo.org.uk.
Work-related accident claims
Despite improving work-related safety procedures in the UK, industrial accidents still occur. Men in particular are at risk of dying at working age while women suffer more from work-related psycho-social diseases. Read about UK work-related accident statistics.
If you have been the victim of a work-related accident which you believe is not your fault, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim. Our personal injury solicitors are amongst the best in the UK and have an excellent success rate for work-related accident claims, including military accidents, slips and falls and industrial diseases. Read about types of accident at work.
Our service is completely cost and risk-free which means that at no time during your personal injury claim will you ever have to pay a penny to anyone, no matter what the outcome.
Call us now on 0800 10 757 95 and we will provide free legal advice and let you know whether you are eligible to make a work-related accident claim. If you prefer, you can also request a call back by filling out our online form or get instant online advice through our e-chat facility.
