Number of deaths in labour accidents cut by 80 per cent

The number of fatal accidents at work in the Balearics dropped by 80 per cent, the serious accidents by 31 per cent and less serious accidents by seven per cent, it was announced yesterday by labour minister Miquel Rosselló. The number of accidents in the first 11 months of the year dropped by 1'794 to 27'011. Rosselló admitted that the figure was still too high, but pointed out that the Balearics was the only region in Spain to reduce the number of accidents, deaths and serious injuries. Reducing the number of accidents has been a priority at the ministry, which has drawn up a four year plan. “This is showing results,” Rosselló said. The budget has also been increased to more than three million euros and an Institute of Health at Work has been set up.