In a positive development, the overall number of workplace deaths in Britain dropped to a record low during past 12-month period.

Figures released by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), a total of 151 workers died at work between April 1st 2009 and March 31st 2010, down from 178 in the previous year. The figure is also will below the five-year average of
220 workplace deaths.

Commenting on the figures, HSE chair Judith Hackitt expressed happiness over the reduced number of workplace deaths. She said that the figures pointed to good leadership, practice and employee engagement.

She said that reduced activity due to recession was also one of the many causes of reduction in workplace deaths.

Commenting on the topic, she said, "No doubt the recession has resulted in lower levels of activity in some high-risk sectors and a decrease in the numbers of new inexperienced recruits has also contributed to this fall in fatalities.”

However, cases of workplace deaths in the British agriculture sector from 25 in 2008 to settle at 38 in 2009, which points towards poor safety measures being used in agriculture sector.