Not enough is being done to prevent deaths in the construction industry, according to a new report.

Although the annual number of fatalities has been reduced by five per cent since 2001, the National Audit Office argued on Wednesday that the industry is unlikely to meet its target of a 60 per cent fall by 2010.

Records show that 71 construction workers died in 2002/03, more than any other industry.

In the same year, 4,780 people were injured, three times the national average.

Both industry leaders and government agencies "could do more" to reduce the figures, the report said.

In addition, it called on public sector bodies to consider such factors as health and safety, in addition to cost, when sponsoring construction projects.

The Health and Safety Executive should improve the way it assesses its own campaigns to improve safety, while designers should be made aware of their obligations to workers, it continued.

"Construction workers have some of the most dangerous jobs in the UK economy," said auditor general Sir John Bourn.

"I welcome the recent reduction in the incidence rate of deaths and major injuries. 

"But further and sustained improvements in the health and safety performance of the industry are required."