As many as 20 per cent of all accidents at work occurring in the EU are linked to maintenance, according to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.

In a number of sectors, more than half of all accidents are maintenance-related.

The EU-OSHA released the statistics as it launched its new Healthy Workplaces Campaign for 2010/11 to mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Maintenance is essential to prevent workplace risks but it is a high risk activity in itself for the workers that carry it out. It is estimated that in Europe 10 to 15 per cent of fatal accidents at work could be attributed to maintenance operations.

Although maintenance activities in Malta did not result in as many fatal accidents as is being reported for the rest of Europe, they still accounted for a substantial number of injuries and ill health at work, the EU-OHSA said.

The EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, László Andor said: "Maintenance is a daily part of every workplace and sector. The 20 per cent of accidents currently linked to maintenance is too high and shows it's an area where we have to raise awareness and step up our efforts.

"Our overall strategy is to cut all work-related accidents in the EU by 25 per cent over the coming years. This campaign will help to raise awareness about maintenance-related risks, saving lives across Europe and bringing us closer to our overall goal for safer and healthier workplaces."

More information on the Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2010/11 can be obtained from hw.osha.europa.eu.