Sheffield lawyers call for better health and safety at work laws

To coincide with Worker’s Memorial Day, lawyers at Irwin Mitchell revealed there were 142 workplace deaths last year - nine more than the previous year.

Stephen Nye, an Irwin Mitchell partner, said: “We have repeatedly called for improvements to safety standards in the workplace and will continue to do so until companies stop putting the lives of employees at risk.

“All employers should be able to go to and from work every day without facing risk of injury or worse.

“We are fighting for greater levels of protection all year round but Workers Memorial Day is a day in particular to remember those who have sadly lost their lives because of their employment.

“Time and time again we are approached by workers who have become ill by failings of health and safety in their workplace, or by people who have lost a loved one at work whose lives have been devastated as a result.

“There are 13,000 deaths a year from lung disease and cancer which are attributed to exposure of chemicals in the workplace. These deaths and others can be prevented with greater attention to health and safety, appropriate training, equipment and supervision.

“The issue of health and safety in the workplace is a significant one for employers and employees alike.

“We are campaigning today and shall continue to campaign to ensure that workers’ safety is a priority for the government, and that these risks are confronted head on with practical solutions.”