Latest HSE data shows UK is the safest European country for workers
The experts at safety equipment retailer Vizwear have explored the most recent data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and found that of all the countries in Europe, the UK is the safest one to work in.
The statistics show the total number of workplace fatalities of each country and has discovered that the UK is performing much more safely than our European neighbours. On the other hand, the worst offenders for workplace fatalities in Europe are:
- Luxembourg – 5.02 (deaths per 100,000 employees)
- Malta – 4.19 (deaths per 100,000 employees)
- Estonia – 3.38 (deaths per 100,000 employees)
- France – 3.32 (deaths per 100,000 employees)
- Lithuania – 3.30 (deaths per 100,000 employees)
Why is the UK such a safe place to work?
Data from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work found that the UK was ranked fourth in Europe for the frequency of its risk assessments (91.9% of businesses). It was closely beaten to the podium by Denmark (92%), Slovenia (94.2%) and Italy (94.6%).
What do the workers think of this?
An international survey to determine the levels of health and safety across Europe asked workers in each European country a number of questions, including whether or not they felt as though their health or safety was at risk because of their work.
Unsurprisingly, nations with a higher risk of fatal injuries in the workplace were more likely to respond that they did indeed feel at risk when at work, including Luxembourg (27%), Malta (27%), Estonia (33%), France (34%) and Lithuania (28%). In comparison, when UK employees were asked the same question, only 18% felt as though their health or safety was at risk when they’re at work.
“It’s not surprising that the UK is performing well,” says Daniel Ure from PPE experts Vizwear. “Health and safety is something this country takes very seriously and businesses have steadily become savvier with the correct ways to protect their workers.”
“All careers pose their own risks and dangers to employees, which is why it’s so important for all business owners to assess the risks, not just construction companies or manufacturers”.
