The number of work-related injuries increased in Caerphilly County Borough during 2013/14, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has revealed.
Figures from the safety watchdog, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, show that in the last financial year there were 236 injuries in the workplace in the county borough – an increase from the previous year’s figure of 199.
There were no fatalities.
Across Wales in 2013/14, seven people lost their lives while at work and 4,291 suffered injury. That compares to eight deaths and 4,391 injuries the previous year.
Neil Craig, HSE Head of Operations for Wales, said:“The families of the workers in Wales who sadly lost their lives last year have just had to spend the festive period without their loved ones, while hundreds of other workers were made ill through their work or had their lives changed forever by a major injury.
“The figures offer encouragement that we are continuing to head in the right direction, but they also show that we can still go further and challenge the industries where there is room to do more.
“Workplace conditions have improved dramatically in the past four decades, but as employers plan and prepare for the new financial year they need to ensure that health, safety and welfare is a clear focus.”
The statement should read ‘236 REPORTED injuries’ as many minor injuries go unreported by workers who fear retaliation by rogue employers. This, I believe, is especially true of firms that employ workers from certain countries abroad where it is standard not to report accidents. Where I worked, in the paper industry, there were always a few accidents per year. An accident’s root cause is always defined in Britain as a ‘management failure’ and we managers, and our workforce, were compared unfavourably with our sister plant in Russia.
The Russian plant returned accident figures of nil, year on year, and we were urged to match this result. The inference was that the Russian plant was far safer than the one in Wales to which I say “not on your nelly.” At least the figures collated in this country by the HSE are generally honest, only obfuscated by the aforementioned rogue employers.
Cllr Williams, before we look at Russian plants we should look a little closer to home, sorry a lot closer to home. the complany we work for Caerphilly Council if you can call it a company…..workers here are afraid to report accidents, those who do are often put off, and those who put in claims for loss of wages when injuries recieved are through no fault of their own find themselves with one foot outside the door if not both feet….you could say the council you yourself help run are as bad if not worse than the ones you wrote about. I realy dont want to sound insulting but please WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE
Mr. Edwards, firstly I do not feel insulted, if what you say is true there is a shocking lack of responsibility by an employer of 9,000 people. Secondly I am elected for the town council of Caerffili and we employ just two people, the Town Clerk and his clerical assistant.
Going back to the Borough Council you have trade unions who you pay a subscription toward. It is part of the function of the trade union to protect workers from employer behaviour such as you have described. All accidents should be reported and serious accidents, such as broken bones and lost time accidents where more than three working days are lost as a consequence, are reportable under RIDDOR ( Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurences). This is the law of the land, not something that employers can ignore.
If you feel that laws and regulations are being breached your first call is the trade union, it is not even necessary to be a member, I am sure they will be interested. If you feel that your concerns are still not being addressed by all means contact me, in strictest confidence, at the address supplied by the Town Council website. I do not work for the council, I am not belonging to Labour or Plaid and have no fear in taking any action appropriate if this sort of behaviour is going on.
i agree what you say on how things should happen in the real world. with trade unions having little power these days and giving no protection to employees on agencies books, and with the law changes erroding workers rights.its becoming a frightning world out there. if you ever want a private descusion on what happend to me i can do so, not on here
Yes, by all means get in touch via the Town Clerk. The council number is 02920 888 777 Mon-Wed. Alternatively use the Town Council website for contact details.