News

The transport industry has one of the worst records for workplace injuries, according to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE says it wants to see a 10% reduction in fatal and major injuries in the transport workplace by 2010. Figures released by the organisation show transport accounted for 31% of all workplace fatalities in 2004/05. It says a total of four transport workers die and about 2,000 are seriously injured every year after falling from their vehicle, or involved in other workplace  incidents.

The cost of deaths and serious injuries to the transport industry is estimated to hit more than £35m a year. Judith Hackitt, chair of the HSE, says: "Those who buy and manage the many fleets of workplace vehicles up and down the country have an opportunity to set a real leadership example. "Simple, sensible precautions can avoid these incidents and the distress they cause."