FDF hails decline in workplace injuries

Workplace injury rates are falling for the food manufacturing industry, according to figures released by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

Major injuries have dropped by 22% to 1,047 since 2004/5, during which time the overall injury rate reduced by 17% to 1,450 per 100,000 employees.

The statistics are in line with those recorded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), whose data shows the Recipe for Safety initiative between itself and food and drink manufacturers is succeeding. The HSE claims the project has helped reduce the total injury rate in the industry by 37% and cut the major injury rate by almost a quarter since 1990/1991.

“Ultimately the industry is striving for low injury rates and I am delighted to see that FDF’s ongoing work with the HSE and other partners is bearing fruit,” said Julian Hunt, FDF communications director.

Richard Morgan, manager of the HSE’s food section, said according to 2005/2006 figures, fatal injuries had more than halved in the sector since Recipe for Safety began in 1990/1991. Many sectors had seen dramatic drops in the rate of all injuries, he said. “For example, injuries in dairies have dropped by 22%, bakeries by 48% and meat/poultry processing by 67%.”