Work injuries have fallen by 12% in the last year, the Health and Safety Executive of Northern Ireland has revealed.

During the period April 2008 to March 2009, reported accidents fell by 12% on the previous year.

Injuries have dropped by 30% since the Executive was established 10 years ago, according to the latest report.

Professor Peter McKie, HSENI's Chairman, said: "April of this year saw HSENI reaching its tenth anniversary and over these ten years, despite rising levels of employment, we have seen a 33% reduction in the number of reported work-related injuries.

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"Whilst one must always remain cautious against reading too much into statistics, this is a very significant reduction," he said.

"I must recognise the assistance of the Courts in driving home the importance of the effective management of health and safety which has resulted in a significant rise in the levels of fines for health and safety offences over the past decade."

Professor McKie added: "Credit must also be paid to the work undertaken by HSENI's enforcement partners, the District Councils, who have supported HSENI in its drive to tackle the priority issues and have undoubtedly contributed to the improvements seen over recent years."

(PR/BMcC)