TWO people died and nearly 1,500 were injured following incidents in the workplace in the last year.

Now health and safety bosses are reminding businesses of their responsibility to enforce the law following the incidents.

Figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed one worker died in an accident on a building site in Hyndburn and a member of the public died following an incident on business premises in Rossendale.

The HSE also received reports of 1,485 people being injured on business premises during 2006/07 which was 91 fewer than the previous year.

Across East Lancashire 276 workers were seriously injured in accidents.

Blackburn with Darwen was the second highest in the county for the number of workers seriously injured with 82 incidents, behind Preston which had 101 accidents.

Companies and managers found guilty of breaching health and safety rules can face prison sentences or unlimited fines. David Ashton, HSE regional director said : "Many worker deaths, and ill health, could have been prevented by simple and sensible precautions.

"I call on all businesses to act now to help stop this toll.

"It is not a matter simply for HSE to prevent.

"We need businesses and self-employed people to work with us to help arrest this increase and make the North West a healthier and safer place to work."

As well as Blackburn with Darwen 70 staff were seriously injured in Burnley in the last year; 51 in Pendle; 30 incidents were reported in Hyndburn; Rossendale had 24 incidents and Ribble Valley had the lowest reported serious incident in the county with 19.

Across East Lancashire's six boroughs 1,059 people had to have more than three days off work because of industrial injuries; 10 self-enmployed people were seriously injured.

The HSE received reports that 136 members of the public were also injured on businesses premises .