He has appointed Rita Donaghy as independent chair to the inquiry.

Purnell said: "The construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors in the country - over 2,800 people have died from injuries they received as a result of construction work in the past 25 years.

"No one can find it acceptable that this number of people have died directly as a cause of their work and we are not making sufficient progress on preventing this total of human misery.

"The high number of fatalities in construction sector continue to be of particular concern to us which is why I have asked Rita Donaghy to Chair an inquiry looking at the underlying causes of construction fatal incidents to see what more can done to reduce this terrible toll."

The inquiry will be undertaken in three phases; firstly a comprehensive review of existing work to consolidate the understanding of fatal injuries in the construction industry with specific reference to vulnerability. Secondly, to carry out a deeper analysis of underlying causes including factors outside the health and safety system, and thirdly reporting to Ministers and HSE's Board.

Independent academic peer reviewers with detailed knowledge of the industry will be involved in assisting Rita Donaghy and the inquiry will report to Ministers next year.