MORE people died in workplace-related accidents in the north west during 2003-04 than any other area of England, Scotland and Wales.

Figures released by trade unions T&G and UCATT show that 104 people died in such circumstances in the region. The number of major injuries in the north west during the same two-year period was 7,218, the second highest of any region.

The unions say not one single company director was convicted for these deaths or injuries. They are urging the Government to back a bill to place legally binding health and safety duties on company directors.

Tony Woodley, T&G General Secretary, said: "I urge everyone who condemns safety abuses at work to write to their MP asking them to back the bill to introduce directors' duties for health and safety at work."