RYEDALE had the second highest number of work-related deaths across the region last year, according to recently-figures.

Statistics released from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that one person died while at work in Ryedale in 2013/14.

Hambleton had the highest number of work-related deaths across North Yorkshire, with four people dying.

A total of 84 people working in Ryedale were injured in the same year and there were 1,200 incidents of work-related illnesses, according to the report.

John Rowe, head of operations for HSE in Yorkshire and the Humber, said that employers are being urged to review what they can do to protect their workforce.

He said: “The families of the workers in our region who lost their lives last year have just had to spend the festive period without their loved ones.

“And sadly there were two more deaths in the region than the previous year. Workplace conditions have improved dramatically in the past four decades, but as employers plan and prepare for the new financial year they need to ensure that health, safety and welfare is a clear focus.”

More than 110,000 people were estimated to have been made ill through their work across the entire region from 2013/14 with almost 18,000 of them in North Yorkshire.

Mr Rowe said: “The decrease in injury figures should be welcomed and does offer some encouragement that we are continuing to head slowly in the right direction, but there is scope for improvement.

“We can still go further and challenge the industries where there is room to do more to protect worker safety.”

Selby had the most work-related injuries across the region, with a total of 240, while York had the most work-related illnesses at 4,900.