Industrial accident news
08/07/2008

IOSH warns on accident at work risk increasing in 'crunch'

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health issued a press release last week warning that companies should not use the current economic 'crunch' as an excuse to risk work accidents.

They state, "Skimping on safety is not the answer as the deteriorating economic situation starts to bite." The law regarding workplace accidents is not affected by the fiscal situation, and any personal injury incurred in the line of work where an employer is liable is therefore as likely to result in a compensation claim as before.

The IOSH president added, "We recognise it may be tempting for firms to cut corners on health and safety to save money. But that choice will not only result in human tragedy but also have a major impact on the business's bottom line.

"The fact that provisional health and safety fatal injuries statistics, released earlier this week, show that 228 people died in workplace accidents demonstrates that even in better economic climes, some firms were still getting it seriously wrong. Cutting corners costs lives!

"I'd urge all organisations to ensure health and safety is very close to the top of their agenda even during an economic slowdown. Obviously, companies do need to still be able to operate - health and safety is often about what is reasonably practicable , balancing the level of risk against cost. So, don't take the cheap way out, you may not be complying with the requirements of law!"

The UK's work accident compensation claim solicitors will doubtless be aware that the IOSH's need to issue such a statement means that there is a risk of future work accident claims being made.