THE number of workplace deaths in Northern Ireland has fallen by almost a third in the past year, but major injuries have increased by more than a quarter.
Workplace deaths dropped to 11 in 2017-18 compared to 16 in the previous year.
But there was a significant increase in injuries, with major injuries up 27 per cent on last year and all reportable injuries up 13 per cent.
Farm-related fatalities increased by one with seven deaths, while construction deaths remained unchanged with three fatalities in 2017-18.
The figures were published in the latest Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) annual report.
HSENI chair Derek Martin said that while the fall in workplace deaths was "encouraging", it was "disappointing that serious injuries in the workplace are up 27 per cent".
Bryan Monson, HSENI's acting chief executive, said that "farming still has a poor safety record".
He said HSENI and the Farm Safety Partnership will continue to provide advice, but urged farmers to "play their part as well by making safety a priority on their own farms".
He added: "While HSENI is keen to advise companies on how to meet their legal requirements, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where there is a clear danger to the health and safety of Northern Ireland's workforce."
