Health & safety statistics for 2015-16, published on 2 November by the Health & Safety Executive, show Construction once again recording the highest number of deaths for any sector at 43, which is in line with the five year average.

That does not mean it is the most dangerous place to work, however. Because it employs so many people, the death rate is 1.94 per 100,000 workers, compared with 7.7 in aggriculture and 5.7 in waste and recycling.

The figures, which are still provisional and will continue to be updated until July next year, show:

• 1.3million working people suffering from a work-related illness

• 2,515 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures (2014)

• 144 workers killed at work

• 72,702 other injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR

• 621,000 injuries occured at work according to the Labour Force Survey

• 30.4million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury

• £14.1billion is the estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions (2014/15).

For more information visit www.hse.gov.uk/Statistics/index.htm