24 Yorkshire staff die in workplace accidents.

THE number of workplace deaths fell last year, but still 24 workers lost their lives in Yorkshire.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) said while the statistics showed a national drop of 53 deaths to 180 in 2008-09, they still highlighted dangers that exist in workplaces.

Nattasha Freeman, president of the

IOSH, said: "These figures show the true need for health and safety in this country.

"Health and safety is not about five-page guides on requiring goggles when putting up Blu-Tack or playing conkers.

"It's about preventing tragedy that destroys lives and leaves hundreds, even thousands, of people mourning the needless loss of a loved one, friend or colleague." There were also up to 1,000 work-related road deaths, which are not included in the figures and more than 7,000 annual deaths from cancer, which were in part related to people's work.

Ms Freeman said: "We've got a huge task to do to ensure work deaths continue to fall, particularly at a time of recession when firms want to cut costs. We need workers to continue being vigilant and to tell their employers of health and safety concerns they have." A recent statute, the Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act 2007, can now be used to prosecute companies which disregard health and safety..