NFRC’s Annual Accident Statistics for 2019/20 shows that it members reported 73 accidents in the 2019/20 financial year, out of 23,300 employees and labour-only subcontractors.
This equates to an accident rate of 0.32% – 13 times lower than the national average. NFRC members also reported zero fatalities for the fifth year in a row.
The top five accidents reported by NFRC members mirrored the most common accidents across construction as reported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE):
- Slips, trips, or falls on the same level (26)
- Falls from height (18)
- Injured whilst handling, lifting or carrying a load (14)
- Hit by a moving object-flying or falling (3)
- Contact with moving machinery (3)
The most cited reason for slips and trips, was that scaffold platforms and work areas were obstructed with materials and waste.
Commenting on the findings, Bob Richardson head of technical and training at the NFRC, said: “These statistics are a testament to the hard work our members have put into implementing healthy and safe working practices – in a year when they have also faced a global pandemic.
He added: “However, we should not rest on our laurels, and 73 accidents is still 73 too many. We must aim for zero-harm as an industry – to do this we need look to improve operatives risk perception, promote understanding of health and safety, and raise awareness of consequences.”
