PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong has set a more ambitious target to reduce workplace accidents.

Although the fatality rate has fallen from 4.9 per 100,000 workers in 2004 - a loss of 83 lives - to 2.9 in 2007, PM Lee on Tuesday said Singapore companies can do even better to improve workplace safety.

'Our original aim had been to halve the workplace fatality rate to 2.5 by 2015. This looks well within reach,' he said at the launch of the National Workplace Safety and Health Campaign 2008 and the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC).

'I think we should set a more ambitious goal, to reduce the rate to 1.8 within a decade.

'We should aim not only for as good a safety record as the developed countries, but to have one of the best workplace safety records in the world.'

The setting up of the Workplace Safety and Health Council, chaired by Mr Lee Tzu Yang, is an integral part of the new legislative framework to drive and implement safe practices at work.

PM Lee said its first significant task would be setting safety standards, and developing measures and codes of practice that are robust and relevant to industry needs.

The council will also play a role in building new capabilities for workforce safety and health.

Mr Lee said its biggest challenge would be in outreach, engagement and changing mindsets to bring about a quantum improvement in safety and health outcomes.

He urged every individual to take ownership of safety issues and see this as his own responsibility.