The number of workplace deaths in Singapore hit a nine-year low of 2.1 per 100,000 employed people last year, but the construction sector remains a key cause of concern. This is according to a Workplace Safety and Health Statistics Report 2012 which was released on Thursday.

The construction industry contributed to 46.4 per cent of all fatalities last year, up from 36.1 per cent in 2011. The number of reported workplace injuries increased by 9.8 per cent to 11,113 incidents, from 10,121 in 2011.

Dr Jukka Takala, executive director of the WSH Institute said in a statement: "It is critical that industry takes proactive measures to prevent similar accidents that can result in serious injuries and death."

The number of incidences of occupational diseases also increased, by 18 per cent to 987 cases. About 90 per cent of these cases were noise-induced deafness.