Fresh plea over workplace deaths

Scotland had 61 workplace deaths from 2002/04

Campaigners have urged action on the number of workplace deaths in Scotland after "shocking" figures revealed it has the third highest rate in the UK.

The Transport and General Workers Union (T&G) said politicians should introduce a bill for tougher sanctions against firms who flout safety guidelines.

Sixty one people were killed and 5,797 workers were injured in Scotland between 2002 and 2004.

The number of deaths was only exceeded by south-east and north-west England.

Tony Woodley, T&G general secretary, said he was alarmed by the findings.

Any deaths or injuries as a result of employer negligence are unacceptable, but Scotland's figures are shocking Tony Woodley T&G

He said: "Any deaths or injuries as a result of employer negligence are unacceptable, but Scotland's figures are shocking.

"I urge everyone who condemns safety abuses at work to write to their MP asking them to back the bill to introduce directors' duties for health and safety at work."

In England, Labour MP Stephen Hepburn is promoting a private member's bill to call for tougher sanctions for executives who flout safety regulations.

Mr Hepburn, member for Jarrow, said: "Directors can be jailed for fraud but unless they run a small firm it is very difficult to prosecute directors for health and safety abuses.

'Ultimate sanction'

"Fines are failing to make companies take workers' safety more seriously, and will continue to do so until they are threatened with the ultimate sanction of jail for severe abuses."

The figures were produced by the T&G, the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT) and the Centre for Corporate Accountability.

At present companies only have to follow a voluntary code from the Health and Safety Commission.

But research commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive found that since the code was introduced, only 37% of company boards of directors discuss all serious cases of accident and ill health.

HSE research also revealed 70% of all workplace accidents are the direct result of management failures.