New figures released by the Health & Safety executive for 2008/9 show the rate of deaths at work for the year were the lowest since records began. Provisional data showed that 180 workers were killed, down from 233 for the previous year. The figure is 17 per cent lower than the previous lowest total of 217 from 2005.

Drops were recorded across all parts of the workforce. The service industry recorded the highest number is fatalities (63) but this was reduced from 73 last year. 53 deaths occurred in the construction industry, manufacturing recorded 32 and agriculture 26. The figures are the lowest of all the leading industrial european nations who have provided figures.

Judith Hackitt, chair of the Executive said any reduction in deaths was welcome, but the business could not afford to be complacent. "There is inevitably variation in the figures year on year, but we can take heart from the fact that we have fewer fatal injuries than comparable industrialised nations in the rest of Europe," she said.

"This statistical snapshot needs careful analysis to help us to understand underlying factors, including the impact of the recession".

She added that past experience demonstrated that fatalities were likely to come down during a recession, but that the number and rate of work related deaths would increase when trading conditions pick up. "These statistics are encouraging but there is no magic wand in health and safety. When those running organisations show personal leadership, and when workers are involved in tackling the risks that they face, safety can be improved and lives saved - that is how we can turn this encouraging sign into real sustained improvement."