Businesses must ensure robust safety strategies following workplace fatality stats

Kevin Bridges, health and safety expert at Pinsent Masons, was commenting following the release of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) annual work-related injury statistics. The latest statistics show that for the period from April 2024 to March 2025, 124 workers were killed in work related incidents in Great Britain. This represents a decrease of 14 from the previous 12 month period. Additionally, the stats show that 92 members of the public were killed in work related incidents.

Bridges said: “In terms of industry, there will be disappointment that, despite a decrease in the number of fatalities, construction continues to account for the greatest number of worker fatalities, followed by agriculture, forestry and fishing.”

In total, 35 construction workers died following injuries at work last year. While this was a decrease from the previous year’s 51, it was broadly back in line with pre-pandemic levels. Agriculture, forestry and fishing again recorded the highest rate of fatalities per 100,000 workers followed by waste and recycling and then construction.

Falls from height, being struck by a moving vehicle, and being struck by a moving object continue as the three main causes of fatal injuries, between them accounting for over 60% in the five year period to 2024/25. A considerably higher proportion of fatalities in construction were due to falls from height, compared to other sectors with over half of all deaths in construction over this five year period a result of falls from height.

While being struck by a moving vehicle accounted for around 15% of all deaths, this proportion was markedly higher in waste and recycling (53%), transportation and storage (27%), and agriculture, forestry and fishing (23%).

Additionally, the rate of fatal injury continues to increase with age. The statistics show that workers aged 60 or over accounted for 40% of those killed, up from last year’s 34%, despite workers in this age range making up only 12% of the workforce. Workers aged between 60 and 64 had a rate around double compared to other age rates, with workers aged 65 and over a having rate fours time as high as the all age rate. Those in the 55-59 category are 50% more likely to suffer fatal injury, according to the HSE stats.

Bridges said: “This is particularly relevant given the government’s commitment to encouraging people to work later in life. The demographic of the workforce should inform an organisation’s risk assessments and the mitigation measures it puts in place.”

Male workers also continue to account for 95% of all fatalities at work.

The number of members of the public killed in work-related incidents increased from last year’s figure – up five from 87, which was itself up 14 from the previous year. “While broadly in line with pre-pandemic levels, this upward trajectory from a low of 63 in 2020/21 when the Covid pandemic restrictions were at their height, will be a concern to the regulator,” said Bridges.

“It also serves as a reminder to employers that their duty is not just to ensure the health and safety of their workers, insofar as reasonably practicable, but also of others affected by their activities.”

The HSE points out that the number of fatalities is now largely in line with pre-pandemic levels but also notes that, despite long term reductions in the rate of workers killed by work related activities, over the last 10 years or so this rate has been broadly flat. he HSE's most recent Strategy 2022-2032 highlights its mission to protect people and places from risk and save lives. It's most recent business plan also confirms that the health and safety statistics inform their activities, as does “learning from previous years” which it's used to “inspire industry to take more action”. Organisations will be expected to play their part.

Bridges said: “While the statistics might give some comfort, the HSE will not stand still in its mission and will look to these latest statistics as it carries out its inspection activities, expecting lessons to be learned, risks identified, and mitigations put in place. While much has been written about in the HSE’s current focus on improving workplace ill health, in line with government policy, this has never been at the expense of safety. This is not an either or scenario. The regulator expects those who create risk to control it. Those who do not do so can expect enforcement action.  Businesses must take note and ensure system and controls are in place to protect both their workers and members of the public affected by their activities."