The construction industry took a blow in February 2010 as internal documents from the Health & Safety Executive revealed that fatalities spiked at the end of last year.

The sector recorded 32 construction-related fatalities over a six-month period in April to September 2008, but it looked as though the issue was being successfully addressed whenthe figure for the same period in 2009 came in at 18. Those hopes have now been unexpectedly dashed with 13 construction fatalities recorded in October and November
2009 alone.

Unfortunately, as well as drawing negative attention to the sector, these trends, coupled with the recent introduction of tougher legislation on corporate manslaughter, are likelyto drive an increase in premiums across the sector so it’s important that you not only make sure you are doing all you can to ensure the Health & Safety of your employees, but that you speak to your broker to make sure that you minimise any impact the shift in premiums may have on your business.