WHILE the number of worksite deaths and injuries rose between 2006 and last year, accident rates actually fell as a booming construction sector saw more people on the job.
DEATHS
Sixty-three people died last year, one more than in 2006. But the rate fell to 2.9 deaths for every 100,000 workers, from 3.1 in 2006.
Main causes of death
Falls (37 per cent)
Hit by fallen objects (19 per cent)
Fires, explosions and exposure to hazardous substances (14 per cent)
Where most deaths occurred
Construction: 24, same as in 2006
Manufacturing: 16, up from seven in 2006
INJURIES
While the 10,018 injuries last year were an 8 per cent rise, the rate improved to 460 per 100,000 workers from 469 in 2006.
Injuries that caused permanent disabilities
Dropped by five cases to 163 last year.
Injuries workers recovered from
9,792 cases, up 8.4 per cent from 2006. Nearly half got medical leave of between four and 14 days.
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
Fell 8.4 per cent to 602 cases. Eight in 10 were noise-induced deafness.