ONE person a month suffered a fatal injury while at work in the South West, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures have shown.

Twelve people were killed at work in the region between April 2017 and March 2018, down on the average of 14.

The figures have been published by the HSE in its Workplace fatal injuries in Great Britain report which was published on Wednesday.

The rate of self-employed workers suffering fatal injuries (0.84 per 100,000) is more than double the figure for people who are employed.

Over the year 144 workers were killed – an increase of nine from the previous 12 months.

Although nationally more people who died at work were in construction jobs, waste and recycling and agriculture sectors had a worse rate per 100,000 workers.

HSE chairman Martin Temple said: “Despite the fact that Britain’s health and safety record is the envy of much of the world, the increase in the number of workers fatally injured is clearly a source of concern.

“Published in the same week as the 30th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster, the figures serve as a reminder of why health and safety is so important and that we must not become complacent as we continue on our mission to prevent all forms of injury, death and ill health at work.”