The number of work-related accidents dropped by almost a fifth in the last three months of 2008, according to the latest official statistics.

The figures relate to accidents reported to the Department of Social Security during the fourth quarter in comparison with the same period in 2007. They show that 820 cases were reported between October and December, 174 fewer than in 2007.

Predictably, most of the accidents, almost 26 per cent, took place in manufacturing, 17 per cent in construction and 11 per cent in the transport, storage and communications industries.

Under half the victims, 43 per cent, were only superficially injured and there were no fatalities.

However, statistics for this year do not look as promising, with two fatalities already being recorded in the first month.

On January 14, a 37-year-old cargo handler died crushed by glass panes weighing almost two tonnes in Mayor Vella Street, Żebbuġ.

On January 17, a 54-year-old man died when he fell a height of three floors on a construction site in Ribuwell Street, Rabat.