Alan Thornett's firstband account of muggles in the car industry from the 11970s, with saious lessons for trade union activists today. 448 pages, illustrated. £11.95 plus £2 post and packing, from Socialist Outlook, PO Box 1109, London N4 2UU. Shaun Cohen In November 1998 the Health and Safety Commission's Annual Report was launched. Despite 215 pages, there were no figures provided in relation to companies and directors being prosecuted.
HSE argues that it cannot publish every enforcement statistic. However we are told the number of notices issued increased by 18%, from 7,444 to 8,812. The number of prosecutions initiated by the HSE increased from 1,490 in 1996/97 to 1,654 in 97/98, of which 77% resulted in a conviction. The average fine per conviction rose from £3,113 to £3,886 -a 25% increase.
So what does the report not tell? First of all it doesn't indicate how many of the 29,320 major work. place accidents were investigated. The lower the rate of investigation the greater the level of corporate immunity. In 1996/97 the rate of investigation into major workplace. injuries was less thatn 10%. Only 7 o' the 67 blindings, 281 of the -2:0- ~=. lands Health & Safety Advice Centre data showed that between 1990 and 1992 only 5% of major injuries resulted in prosecutions.
Of the 261 deaths, again no onformatión is available on how many firms or directors have been prosecuted. However, if you ask the right questions and can afford the fee the HSE will provide the information. The most recent data relates to the 679 deaths (including members of the public) that took place between 1996/97.
This shows that only 107 deaths or 15% resulted in prosecutions under health and safety legislation. This prosecution level is despite the fact that the HE's own reports blame 70% of deaths on management failures.
The unpublished statistics also reveal that of the 1,654 prosecutions initiated by the HSE, only six senior officers were charged. During the same period it prosecuted 24 workers. the number of cases refered to the CPS for consideration of corse-ate mars sughter has =59- ===-== ==-se=-gases its time this = SEE 25 = 5g: 10 an end. *The SOCIALIST OUTLOOK •300 Club offers readers •and supporters the chance •to win a £50 cash prize or alternatives each month -•for just a £5 donation. • We get the cash we need *to run campalens and • improve the paper - and •you get an excellent chance• of a bumper pav-out, or the •satisfaction of knowing •your donation was well •spent!
To join the 300 Club, send • us a Standing Order for £5 •per month, or drop us a line• at PO Box 1109, London N4• • 2UU, and we will send you aa form. *This month's lucky winners •are (3rd prize) Ann Murray•Hudson (2nd) John •Finnegan, and the top prize goes to Greg Tucker.
EVERYONE CAN BE A WINNER!