And if the rate of increase feeds through to the numbers of injured as well that would mean around 31,000 major injuries, and over 114,000 3 day absence injuries (no wonder they want to increase 3 days to 7!) We will have to wait a while for those figures, but if they do come to pass it will be the worst performance for almost 10 years. Just the right time to ease up on H&S then!

Never let the facts get in the way of a good moan....! "The figure of 171 worker deaths in 2010-2011 is 17 per cent lower than the average for the past five years (205). The rate of fatal injuries has also decreased, with the latest figure of 0.6 per 100,000 workers being 14 per cent lower than the five-year average rate of 0.7." Every injury, and in particular every fatality, are of course regrettable, but the trend is DOWN. This sort of nonsense, by individuals and by the various trade press/safety organisations, is no more appropriate than a predictable puffed-up claim of 'aren't we important' when the number falls slightly next year. With such a low incidence and small numbers, small variations are inevitable. The only meaningful metric is the 5-year trend. As that continues to fall, the comments here seem more than a little misguided.

The facts seem to me that there were more work related deaths in 2010-2011 than in the previous year!

Haven't seen or heard this but it would be interesting to hear how an increase in workplace death is "spun". Have the unions said anything?

In answer to Fletcher's question about Union comment - the answer is yes:- TUC concern over rise in deaths at work Commenting on the latest figures for workplace fatalities released today (Tuesday) by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which show 171 people were killed at work last year, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'While you cannot read too much into one year's figures, everyone will be concerned about this rise in workplace deaths, especially given the steady fall in fatalities we have seen in recent years. 'The responsibility for the increase in deaths this year must be placed at the door of negligent employers, but more needs to be done to ensure that all employers protect their workers from harm. 'The government's recent decision to reduce workplace inspections and the budget cuts for both the HSE and local authorities make it more far less likely that problems will be identified before something goes wrong. 'Traditionally injury rates increase as we come out of a recession. If we are going to stop this year's increase becoming a long-term trend we need more inspections in the workplace - not less.' Not happy then!