Health and Safety watchdog publishes annual report

25 September 2020

The Health and Safety Inspectorate has published its annual report for 2019.

The report, which had its publication delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, outlines the varied work that the Inspectorate carried out last year. This work included four targeted initiatives aimed at promoting health and safety outcomes, such as a scheme to raise awareness of the minimum standards in respect of window safety after the team investigated three falls from hotel windows and Juliette balconies.

The Inspectorate carried out 264 proactive inspections last year, 85 percent of which were construction related. Meanwhile, it investigated 68 serious work-related accidents and incidents across several industry sectors such as construction, retail and hospitality.

And the Inspectorate, which is made up of four Inspectors, received 170 complaints last year – 33 fewer than in 2018. Seven prosecutions for breaches of health and safety legislation were also heard in the Royal Court.

Statistical data on occupational accidents and ill health is also included within the report. The information, which is sourced from Social Security, shows that there were 1,483 Short Term Incapacity Allowance (STIA) claims – a ten percent rise compared to 2018 - for work-related accidents and ill health last year.

Tammy Fage, Director of the Health and Safety Inspectorate, said: "2019 was once again a busy year for the Inspectorate and I would like to thank my team for their enthusiasm and professionalism as they continue to embrace new ways of working to ensure we remain effective in keeping Islanders safe.

"Covid-19 and the unknown certainties surrounding Brexit will undoubtedly impact upon workplaces. Therefore, everybody will need to play their part in ensuring that the real risks to health and safety from working activities are properly controlled, and people are protected.

"Whilst the Inspectorate remains committed to improving standards in areas where the risks are highest, we can’t act alone. Everyone has a part to play, including employers, employees, professional bodies and others."