The Health and Safety Executive has published provisional figures showing a decrease in the number of workplace deaths over the last year.

148 people were killed at work across Great Britain compared to 171 deaths during 2011/12, according to the latest provisional figures.

Steve Smith, HSE’s head of operations for the North East, said: “Whilst the number of workplace deaths and major injuries has decreased nationally, these statistics highlight why we still need good health and safety in workplaces.

“I therefore urge employers to spend their time tackling the real dangers that workers face and stop worrying about trivial matters or pointless paperwork.”

Provisional Safety Figures At A Glance:

• More than 20,600 workers suffered a major injury in 2012/13 – a 10.8% drop on the previous year
• Five in every million died at work between April 2012 and March 2013
• The construction sector incurred 39 deaths last year
• The agriculture sector incurred 29 deaths
• The manufacturing sector incurred 20 deaths
• The waste and recycling sector incurred 10 deaths

Mr Smith said whilst Britain “still has one of the lowest rates of workplace deaths in Europe”, business must remember that “one death is still one too many”.

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