EIGHT people lost their lives while at work in Lancashire last year and 661 suffered a major injury, according to the latest statistics.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a fresh warning about workplace safety after the number of deaths rose across Great Britain in 2010/11.

It is urging employers to make the safety of workers their top priority for 2012, and is reminding them of their legal responsibility to ensure lives are not put at risk.

The eight deaths and 661 major injuries in Lancashire compare to three deaths and 716 major injuries in 2009/10.

Another 2,404 workers suffered an injury or ill health which required them to take at least three days off work in 2010/11, compared to 2,471 in 2009/10.

David Sowerby, HSE’s regional director for the North West, said: “The families of the eight workers in Lancashire who lost their lives last year had to face Christmas without them.

"Hundreds of other workers have had their lives changed forever by a major injury.

“These statistics highlight why we need good health and safety in workplaces.

"Employers should spend their time tackling the real dangers that workers face rather than worrying about trivial risks or pointless paperwork.”