HSE annual fatality stats show rises in Construction and falls from height

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its annual statistics on work-related fatal injuries, which show 138 workers killed in 2023/4 because of work-related accidents. This represents a rise from 2022/3, which saw 136 fatal injuries to workers. On average, the number has varied between 130-150 in the last decade.

Over half of all fatalities occurred in just two sectors - 51 deaths in Construction and 23 deaths in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing.

Types of fatal injury remained broadly similar to last year, with 50 deaths caused by falls from height, 25 where someone was struck with a moving vehicle, and 20 where they were struck by a moving object. These three types of injury are the most common cause, accounting for 70% of work-related deaths in 2023/4.

87 members of the public were killed by work-related accidents, compared to last year’s 73 deaths. Although this represents a rise of 13 deaths from last year, the figure remains below the average 102 deaths a year before the pandemic.

HSE’s figures also revealed that 34% of fatal injuries were suffered by workers over 60 years old. This age bracket only makes up 11% of the UK’s workforce, showing the rate of injury increases with age. Over the last 5 years, the rate of injury for workers aged 60+ is twice the all-ages rate, while workers aged 65+ are four times as high.

Commenting on the statistics, Ruth Wilkinson, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said:

“There has been a rise in fatalities in construction, meaning the number of deaths in that industry is significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. There has also been a rise in the total number of workplace fatalities so it’s clear that lessons aren’t being learned and that much more still needs to be done to protect workers.

“This is a huge concern, and we need to see action taken to tackle this. Whichever party forms the new Government must seek to protect and enhance health and safety standards, particularly across high-risk industries like construction. And businesses need to step up and ensure they have robust occupational health and safety management systems and control strategies in place to prevent accidents at work and reduce the chance of them happening.”

“Providing a safe and healthy working environment isn’t just an add-on for a business. It is now a fundamental principle and right at work, as recognised by the International Labour Organization. So, we need to see a joined-up approach to tackle harm at work to prevent more lives being needlessly lost.”

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