Members of Parliament are calling for the Health and Safety Executive’s funding to be restored to pre-2010 levels.
The All-Parliamentary Group (APPG) on occupational health and safety is using Workers’ Memorial Day (Tuesday 28 April) to highlight cuts to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and their impact on workplace safety.
In a statement reported by The Canary, Ian Lavery, chair of the group, said the regulator “has had its funding cut in half over the last decade. That has real consequences: fewer inspections, weaker enforcement and less capacity to deal with growing risks like stress and violence.”
Since 2010, the HSE has had its budget reduced by almost half, which leaves it unable to react to the rise of work-related mental health issues, including work-related suicides, the group said. “These deaths must be recognised, properly investigated, and used to prevent future tragedies.”
Construction workers vulnerable
According to HSE figures, construction had the highest number of workplace deaths last year, with more than a quarter (35) of the 124 reported across all industries. Data from the Office of National Statistics found male construction workers are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to those working in other industries.
The APGG’s announcement was made strategically to coincide with Workers’ Memorial Day, an international day of remembrance, backed by the United Nations, for those who have died due to work-related injury or illness. It takes place alongside World Day for Safety and Health at Work, organised by the International Labour Organization, which aims to bring awareness to global safety and health.
