Work fatalities fall as employers issue protective gloves and PPE

The number of people killed at work has falled to a record low, figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal.

Ensuring workers are wearing the correct protective gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE) could be helping to reduce the number of fatalities.

HSE statistics show that 180 workers were killed between April 1st 2008 and March 31st 2009 - down from 233 the previous year.

Chair of the body Judith Hackitt says Great Britain has fewer fatal injuries than comparable industrialised nations in Europe.

However, she points out that fatal injury figures do not give the whole picture, as work-related ill health is a significant problem for individuals, businesses and the economy.

'When those running organisations show personal leadership, and when workers are involved in tackling the risks that they face, safety can be improved and lives saved,' Ms Hackitt commented.

Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employers must ensure PPE and appropriate training on its use is provided to employees who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety.

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