WEST Somerset and Taunton Deane is the 51st most unsafe place to work in Britain, according to a report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The HSE’s annual report with updated figures on workplace injuries and fatalities showed an alarming increase in worker injuries in the Somerset West and Taunton district.

The figures showed in the year to March 31, 2022, there were 216 people who suffered non-fatal injuries in the district.

Nationally, there was an increase of 22.66 per cent in non-fatal injuries reported to the HSE during the year, a trend which was expected as a result of workplaces reopening fully after being closed due to the Covid pandemic.

However, Somerset West and Taunton’s workplace injuries increased at a much higher rate, rising by 32.52 per cent on the previous year.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 sets out the duties that employers have towards their staff, including the requirement to assess risks, provide adequate training and equipment, and maintain a safe working environment.

The Health and Safety Executive is the regulatory body responsible for enforcing the laws and can take action against employers which fail to comply.

HSE uses reported workplace injury data to calculate the average number of injuries per 100,000 workers in different locations.

Based on such a calculation, it said Somerset West and Taunton had an average of 329 workplace injuries per 100,000 workers, ranking it as the 51st most unsafe place to work in Britain.

The HSE recommends that risk assessments should be conducted regularly to ensure that workplace risks are identified and managed appropriately, especially whenever there is a change in working conditions, processes, or procedures, which could impact the health and safety of employees.

This could include changes in the workforce, equipment, or materials used.

In addition, risk assessments should be reviewed periodically to ensure they remain up-to-date and effective in identifying and managing workplace risks.

Richard O’Connor, director of Birmingham-based First Mats, a retailer of matting, storage, and handling products for workplaces, which analysed the data, said Somerset West and Taunton bucked the national trend in injuries, probably because the area’s main industry of manufacturing was a high-risk activity naturally resulting in a greater number of workplace injuries.

Mr O’Connor said: “Manufacturing sites have many potential hazards, from heavy machinery to falling debris to slips, trips and falls.

“Slip and trip accidents account for around 30 per cent of all workplace accidents hence why it is important to take the correct safety measures.

“Employers should be looking to reduce workplace injuries wherever possible, undertaking regular risk assessments and implementing safety recommendations.

“It is alarming to see such sharp increases in injuries in areas like Somerset West and Taunton.

“Businesses and local authorities should work together to take a proactive approach to workplace safety to prevent further injuries.

“While we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, businesses should still implement safety measures such as non-slip matting, safety signs, and providing regular training to promote a culture of safety in the workplace.”