Safety improvements in film businesses

New research has found that the number of workplace accidents in the packaging and plastics film industry have fallen by 68 per cent.

A study by the Packaging and Films Association (Pafa) revealed that between 2003 and 2007, the number of recorded accidents fell from 142 to 45, while lost working hours were reduced from 16,607 in 2004 to 4,844.

The research found that the most common type of injury in the sector was manual handling injuries, of which 29 were reported last year.

Pafa chief executive, David Tyson, was pleased with the improvements made by the industry as a whole.

"Our industry has always placed great emphasis on the need to protect its employees. Overall, this is an outstanding achievement from our members and it demonstrates their commitment to working to the highest standards of health and safety," he said.

Pafa is the representative body for the manufacture of film and conversion of flexible packaging industry.