MORE than 1,200 people in Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk suffered major injuries at work last year, new figures have revealed.

MORE than 1,200 people in Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk suffered major injuries at work last year, new figures have revealed.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said 1,284 people were seriously injured and seven people were killed in work-related incidents across the three counties in 2008-9.

A total of 5,354 people sustained injuries that resulted in them having more than three days off work.

The HSE also revealed that it prosecuted 122 firms for breaching health and safety rules last year.

Heather Bryant, the HSE's East of England regional director, said: “Behind these statistics are the real life stories of hundreds and thousands of people and families dealing with real hardship, pain and suffering.

“The New Year is an opportune time to reflect on the number of incidents in the past 12 months, and try and stop the same patterns being repeated.

“Many of these injuries are entirely preventable. We implore employers to exercise leadership in their workplaces - showing commitment, setting example and making sure practical action is taken to manage day-to-day risks.

“And there is plenty of evidence to show that involving employees with this also improves health and safety performance.”

The HSE is urging employers to make workplaces as safe as possible for 2010.

Ms Bryant added: “Simple assessments of risk, ease of tasks, accessibility, protection from harmful substances and training can and do prevent many incidents.

“HSE works with a number of partners to provide free advice and education to those both carrying out and managing work.

“We want businesses and the self-employed to work with us to help reduce injuries and make the East of England a safer place to work.”