Work safety checks 'must double'

The TUC welcomed the report

Twice as many safety inspectors are needed to cut injury and illness at work, says a committee of MPs.

A report by the work and pensions select committee says the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) needs to double the number of inspectors from 540.

It says penalties for offending employers should be stricter and calls for a new offence of corporate killing.

The TUC said the report was "a beacon of clarity" because it acknowledged the lack of resources at the HSE.

The committee says the number of incidents investigated by the HSE is worryingly low and union reps should be given the power to prosecute for breaches of health and safety rules.

DEATHS AND INJURIES 2002/03 226 work-related deaths 28,426 major injuries *Figures to April 2003

Migrant or temporary agency workers are particularly at risk and the MPs recommend that firms employing them be actively monitored.

Another challenge is the growth in long-term illnesses related to stress and muscular-skeletal problems.

The MPs also want bigger fines for breaches of health and safety rules, and a new offence of corporate killing for cases where a company is seriously at fault.

They say companies face stiffer penalties for breaches of financial regulations than for killing or injuring an employee.

Crimes

In the year to April 2003, there were 226 work-related deaths, and more than 28,426 major injuries, says the study.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said the report was "a beacon of clarity and common sense" and acknowledged the lack of resources at the HSE.

The TUC will be seeking urgent action from the HSC on the issues raised Brendan Barber TUC

"Far too many employers do not take their health and safety responsibilities seriously.

"The government must do what the select committee is recommending and give employees better protection at work by introducing new laws on corporate killing and tougher penalties for bosses that commit safety crimes against their workforce."

Mr Barber said more money should be used to fund inspections and taking offenders to court.

And he backed the suggestion that union safety reps should be given more powers in this area.

It is estimated that 33 million days a year are lost through occupational health problems, compared to seven million days due to physical injury.

And 25,000 people annually leave work prematurely because of work-related injury or illness.