Workplace deaths at record low

The number of people fatally injured at work is at an all- time low, new figures show.

Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive reveal that 180 people died in workplace accidents between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2009.

The figure represents a rate of 0.6 fatalities per 100,000 workers - 22% lower than the average for the past five years, and down from 1.4 in 1992/1993.

The highest fatality rate was reported in the services sector, which saw 63 deaths over the period. Some 53 deaths were reported in construction, 32 in manufacturing, 26 in agriculture and six in the extractive and utility supply sector.

Brendan Barber from the Trades Union Congress said that, while the drop in fatalities was good news "every death is one too many and can be avoided".

He added that the record low figures should not be seen as "evidence that employers are taking more care".

"Falls in injury and death rates are usual during a recession because fewer new employees are being recruited and introduced into the workplace."