Statistics published today by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that in Scotland 32 employees were killed and almost 12,000 other employees were injured at work during 2007/08.

The report also reveals that over the same period 113,000 people in Scotland were suffering from an illness they believed was caused or made worse by their current or past work. 3.3 million days were lost due to work related ill health and injury.

Judith Hackitt, Chair of the Health and Safety Executive commented: "Any improvement in the number of people being injured or made ill by work must be welcomed. However, there is a need for a step change. Of particular concern are the agriculture, construction and waste and recycling industries.

"I am also concerned that slips and trips - which can have an enormous impact on peoples' lives - are still not reducing. HSE is developing a new strategy that seeks to renew commitment from all those involved in health and safety to tackle these challenges and more.

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"In the difficult and uncertain months ahead I urge employers not to take their eyes off the ball. Good business management will be vital and good health and safety management is an integral part of that. Health and safety contributes positively to competitiveness and should not be sacrificed in times of financial pressure."

Paul Stollard, HSE Director Scotland added: "The number of fatal injuries to workers in Scotland continues to cause concern at 32. This is little changed on last year but represents a larger proportion of self-employed people who have died as result of their work. Agricultural and construction work are once again the most dangerous.

"The rate of fatal and major injury remains more or less the same. It is strongly influenced by the composition of employment, for example, the mix of industries and occupations in Scotland compared to other parts of Great Britain. Falls and being hit by moving objects are some of the main causes. But the rate for all injuries has come down 4% on last year. This is a bit more encouraging.

Ms Hackitt said overall the HSE will be studying the picture carefully to inform our targets and priorities for the future as well as how we work with other organisations in Scotland's health and safety system.

(GK/JM)