Birmingham had the most work-related accidents in Britain last year, accounting for one in five accidents in the city, according to a new analysis of official figures.
There were 3,325 industrial accents in the city in the year to April 2004, including four fatals and 612 major incidents.
The figures put Birmingham on top of a league table of 400 areas of Britain for workrelated accidents.
The figures, compiled by the GMB union, showed that Leeds was second, with 2,807 accidents, followed by Glasgow (2,395), Manchester (2,021) and Sheffield (1,756).
GMB officer John McClean said the number of fatal accidents showed the continuing danger to workers despite health and safety laws.
"The figures show that corners have been cut and there is inadequate enforcement."
The GMB said company directors must be held personally liable if companies were found guilty of breaking the law.
"If there is negligence, those responsible must face a jail sentence," said Mr McClean.
