Latest survey results from the NSCC show that the major injury rate fell by 43% and the over 3-day rate by 60%.

The fatal injury rate among subcontractors was 1.8 per 100,000 workers last year compared with the general industry rate of 2.3 per 100,000 workers.

The NSCC major injury rate was 204.1 per 100,000 workers and the over 3-day injury rate was 496.0 per 100,000 workers, which fell by 22% from 2010/11.

Almost half of all accidents among specialists resulted from either handling, lifting and carrying or slip and trips.

NSCC members provide safety information as part of the latest annual survey which quizzed more than 2,300 businesses.

NSCC chief executive Suzannah Nichol said: “Construction is a high risk industry but the success of the Olympic Delivery Authority in delivering the Olympic Park with no fatalities and a below average accident rate proves that, if we make health and safety on site a priority, we can successfully reduce the number of accidents that occur.

“By collating accident information from the specialist sector, NSCC is able to identify trends and tailor the guidance and support available to members to reduce the risk of similar accidents recurring in the future.”