Skip to main content

Work-aggravated illness 'costing Scotland millions'

WORK-AGGRAVATED illnesses are costing Scotland’s economy more than £60m in the construction sector alone, an industry body has warned.

Constructing Better Health Scotland called for standard health checks for all new apprentices today after its researchers found just 27 per cent of firms in the Scottish Building Federation ran such checks.

CBH Scotland said this exposes recruits to risk and those suffering undetected long-term problems not getting the occupational health support they need.

Constructing Better Health executive Michelle Aldous said occupational ill health now cost the sector as much as £66 million per year — £386 for every worker.

The estimate comes just a week after unions across Scotland gathered to mark Workers’ Memorial Day, with construction widely regarded as the most dangerous industry in Britain.

Health and Safety Executive records show that 39 construction workers were killed on the job between 2012 and 2013 — the most recent year available — including five in Scotland.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today