Sir Bill Callaghan, the chair of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), said the loss of 241 lives in the year 2006/7 was "unacceptable". The figure rose from 217 the previous year.

The highest number of fatal injuries occured in the construction industry, accounting for 31% of incidents. The agriculture, waste and recycling sectors were also considered to be significant challenges for health and safety.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) approved 25% more prosecutions in the last year and 1,000 more enforcement notices.

Sir Bill said:

"Despite all the negative stories written and told about over-bureaucracy and banning 'fun', in reality trying to stop the tragedies we are talking about today is what health and safety is all about."