Workplace deaths revealled

Elaine MaslinTwelve people have died and about 1,200 incidents have been reported in workplaces in Breckland Council's area since 2003, it has been revealed.The council said it had dealt with more than 7,200 service requests and had undertaken in excess of 3,500 workplace inspections in the past seven years.Elaine Maslin

Twelve people have died and about 1,200 incidents have been reported in workplaces in Breckland Council's area since 2003, it has been revealed.

The council said it had dealt with more than 7,200 service requests and had undertaken in excess of 3,500 workplace inspections in the past seven years.

The figures were released as staff at the authority were marking the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on Wednesday, an event launched in 2003 by the International Labour Organisation.

A spokesman for Breckland said: 'The emotional costs of these incidents are huge and in the workplace these are coupled with other impacts such as lost worker time, sick pay, production delays, legal costs and damaged reputation - many of which are not always covered by business insurance policies.'

Breckland's officers offer free advisory visits for new businesses. They have also developed Safer Workplace - Better Business in partnership with North Norfolk Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and West Norfolk Council.

Risk assessment seminars have been run to help small businesses and new health and safety handbooks have been produced.