TUC: 20,000 people killed every year at work

More than 20,000 people in the UK are killed by their work each year, according to a new report by the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

Accidents such as occupational cancers and lung disorders, exposure to fumes and chemicals, and fatal traffic accidents kill people prematurely every year, The Case for Health and Safety report found.

The TUC is calling for the government to ignore pleas from business lobby groups to reduce regulation and enforcement and champion the issue instead.

It is important for the coalition to support the work of the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities to protect people at work, according to the organisation.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Despite the way that health and safety is often pilloried, for those who are made ill or injured at work and for the relatives of those who have died as a result of their work, health and safety is no joke.

"Regulation works, as long as it is enforced, and it saves lives and prevents the contraction of unnecessary illnesses. That is why the UK continues to need strong regulation and enforcement. "

Recent research from Scottish Compensation showed that around 4.7 million sick days were taken last year in Scotland due to workplace accidents, the majority of which resulted from slips, trips and falls.

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