This paper re-examines the most influential analysis of the relation between worker representation and industrial injuries in British manufacturing, the work of Reilly et al, which appeared in the British Journal of Industrial Relations 33 (3). It argues that although this has been misinterpreted by some who cite it, the reliability of its authors’ findings must also be questioned. A step by step replication of their analysis of WIRS90 data is reported, followed by a further examination of data for WERS98. In neither case are the specific claims advanced in the original analysis robust enough to survive scrutiny. Only the more general conclusion that health and safety should not be left to management is adequately supported
