There has been a reduction in the number of people killed, injured or made ill by work during 2007-08, new statistics show.

Major injuries at work have fallen by nine per cent since 2000 and workplace deaths have decreased by five per cent, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The study also showed during the period 2007-08, 2.1 million people suffered from work-related illnesses and 136,000 were victim to major injuries.

Judith Hackitt, chair of the HSE, said 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," she added.

The report also showed 34 million working days were lost in Britain due to injury and ill-health and 229 people were killed at work in the period 2007-08.

In recent news, the biggest safety concerns to workers are stress, repetitive strain injuries, slips and trips and illnesses caused by working at computer, a survey by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) shows.