UK: Wales
Fatalities in the workplace increase
Construction is one of three industries in which most deaths occur
The number of deaths in the workplace in Wales increased last year, according to the Health and Safety Commission's annual report.
Figures for 1998/99 show 27 fatalities – an increase of four on the year before.
The industries in which most deaths occurred were agriculture, manufacturing and construction.
In one of the latest such cases, 42-year-old Jeff Williams from Newport in south Wales, was killed after the gantry he was working on collapsed on a motorway bridge.
The HSC report also shows that the number of major injuries suffered in the workplace has not changed significantly – latest statistics show there were 2,187 last year.
The HSC estimates that the cost to employers in Wales of occupational health is between £61-65m.
HSE director for Wales Terry Rose said the situation was "not good enough".
Speaking at the launch of the new phase of the HSE's Good Health is Good Business campaign he said "no one can or should say 'health and safety is not my responsibility'".
"I am disappointed in the fatal accident performance in Wales.
'Not good enough'
"Over the last five years there has been an average of one death every two weeks. It is not improving and it is not good enough.
"Inspectors are becoming impatient and that is reflected in the significant increase in the number of enforcement notices and prosecutions we are taking.
"Both have more than doubled in two years. However, the HSE alone cannot reduce the toll and we will continue to work with all key players in the health and safety system."
