Five people lost their lives in Cumbria while at work last year, new figures show

Released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the figures also reveal that 156 suffered a major injury.

In light of the statistics, the HSE has urged businesses to focus on their legal responsibility to ensure lives are not put at risk.

County-wide there were six deaths and 215 major injuries during 2012/2013.

Across the north west, Cumbria has the second highest amount of deaths but the lowest amount of major injuries.

Steven Smith, HSE’s head of operations in Cumbria, said: “The families of those workers in Cumbria who lost their lives last year had to face Christmas without them and hundreds of other workers have had their lives changed forever by a major injury.

“Whilst the number of workplace deaths and major injuries has decreased nationally, these statistics highlight why we still need good health and safety in workplaces. I therefore urge employers to spend their time tackling the real dangers that workers face and stop worrying about trivial matters or pointless paperwork.

“It’s important to remember that while we still have one of the lowest rates of workplace deaths in Europe, one death is still one too many. I would urge businesses to focus on helping to cut the number of deaths further in 2014.”