We appreciate that businesses face many pressures. But statistics show that good health and safety really is good business, and it makes sound financial sense to take it seriously – not to mention the terrible human costs when things go wrong.

So take note of what our contributors say. As Ken Logan puts it, learn from them before it happens to you. Now that you know where to go for good health and safety advice, you’ve got everything you need to help make sure that yours doesn’t become another job to die for!

A Message From Timothy Walker
Director General of the Health and Safety Executive

It’s tempting to believe 'It'll never happen to me’. However, sometimes it does. If we are lucky, we may get a second chance to learn from our mistakes. But some people are not that fortunate and the results can be devastating, not least for the families of those killed and injured.

I hope you read about the people featured here and think about any risks you might be taking at work. These stories show that training, procedures and the right equipment are essential to working safely, but just as important is the right attitude to safety. We must do what we can to work safely, and encourage others to do the same.

The consequences of taking chances and cutting corners are here for you to see in the stories that those left behind have shared with us. We owe it to our families and partners to make sure that we come home from work, and that we come home healthy and safe.

Download Jobs to Die For

PDF format, 379KB, 24Pages.

Crown copyright 2002
Applications for reproduction should be made in writing to:
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Clements House, 2-16 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BQ

Further information:

In line with its published enforcement policy, HSE prosecutes companies that break health and safety laws and put people’s lives at risk. Some of the companies which feature in this book were prosecuted and fined. These fines total more than £160 000, with nearly £40 000 costs awarded.

Although this can in no way make up for the lives lost, it should make everybody think twice before exposing themselves or their workers to unnecessary danger. But HSE isn’t just about enforcement. We also offer advice and guidance on good health and safety practice so that these tragedies don’t happen in the first place.

A good place to start is HSE’s free leaflet An introduction to health and safety (INDG259). No matter what line of business you’re in, you’ll find plenty of useful information here. And if it doesn’t answer all your questions, it contains plenty of useful sources of further information and advice.

HSE’s website, www.hse.gov.uk, has loads of information on small firms, accident reporting, research and statistics, safety campaigns, the Workers’ Webpage and much more, all designed to keep people healthy and safe at work, or from work activities.

Infoline is HSE’s free information and advice service. One call is all it takes. Just ring 08701 545500, and you’re through to a comprehensive pool of health and safety expertise. Whether you’re a member of the public, a small business, a large manufacturer or provide public services, there’s someone who can answer your questions and give you the information you need.

HSE Books has around 2500 priced and free publications on offer. You can browse through the extensive list of titles on our website (www.hsebooks.co.uk) or call 01787 881165 for more information.

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