A significant reduction in fatal accidents at work shouldn't mean that firms drop their guard.

NI Health and Safety Minister Arlene Foster has warned against complacency in the wake of good news of the lowest recorded number of deaths at work in decades.

Seven people lost their lives in work-related accidents in 2009, which is a 60% reduction on the previous year's figure.

"While such a dramatic reduction is to be welcomed, it should not allow us to become complacent," said the Minister, speaking at conference organised by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).

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"Behind each statistic lies a heartbreaking story. Seven lives were lost last year, which in turn means seven families have been devastated by the unexpected death of a loved one.

"The recent establishment of a joint Health and Safety HSENI and District Council working group will take forward plans to develop a long term health and safety at work strategy for Northern Ireland.

She continued: "This draft strategy will be available for public consultation in July and will set the future direction for health and safety regulation to 2020 and beyond."

Professor Peter McKie, Chairman of HSENI added: "There is never any room for complacency when it comes to people's lives.

"The entire health and safety community must redouble its efforts, particularly in these tough economic times when there can be a tendency to take the eye off the ball and cut back on investing in health and safety."

(NS/BMcc)