The number of employees fatally injured at work fell in 2005-06, to 212, compared with 223 a year earlier, according to a new report from the Health and Safety Commission (HSC).

The rate of 0.71 fatalities per 100,000 workers was the lowest on record. And Great Britain had the lowest fatal injury rate in Europe, of 1.1 worker per 100,000.

Bill Callaghan, Chair of HSC said, “ The figures are very encouraging but more needs to be done. There are still too many people killed at work every year, and quite often simple, inexpensive measures could have prevented the tragic loss of life. The figures show that the Commission's strategy is working. This is based on enforcement, information and advice, regulation and persuasion and working in partnership with industry and trade unions. The construction industry is an example where all parties have worked closely together over a number of years and achieved impressive results."