It said that 27 workers were fatally injured in 2001-02, down from 37 the previous year.

However, indications are that this year's totals will be higher.

Major injuries also fell from 2,423 to 2,308 over the same period.

The difference in fatal accident rates between Scotland and England has continued to narrow Stewart Campbell HSE director for Scotland

The construction industries were the most dangerous with five deaths recorded.

As a result of all incidents, the HSE brought a total of 238 charges in Scotland.

Over the same period 138 convictions were obtained in the courts arising from cases.

Fines totalled £573,450, the average being £4,155.

The HSE issued 616 improvement notices and 635 prohibition notices.

Fines imposed

Across Britain, figures showed 249 workers were killed in work-related accidents around Britain in 2001-02, 43 fewer than the previous year.

Stewart Campbell, HSE director for Scotland said: "I am pleased that deaths and serious injuries fell last year in Scotland, and that the difference in fatal accident rates between Scotland and England has continued to narrow."

Scotland still has the UK's highest rate of deaths at work.

Recent research also showed that fines imposed in Scotland after a successful prosecution were "extremely low" compared to England and Wales.