Work related Fatalities in Great Britain hit 124 in 2024/25
Latest HSE Data: Work-Related Fatalities in Great Britain (2024/25)
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has released its annual statistics for April 2024–March 2025, reporting that 124 workers have been killed in work-related incidents across Great Britain—a notable decrease of 14 compared to the previous year.
Alongside the 124 work related deaths, there were a further 92 non-workers killed within workplace settings.
Breakdown by Industry
Construction: 35 deaths
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing: 23 deaths
Transportation & Storage: 15 deaths
Top causes
1. Falls from height (35, over a quarter of fatalities)
2. Struck by moving objects (18)
3. Trapped by collapsing/overturned objects
Older worker Safety in the UK
Workers aged 60 represent just 12% of the workforce but account for 40% of workplace fatalities. These statistics highlight the importance of taking into account an individuals personal characteristics when considering risk.
Long-Term Perspective
Fatalities may have halved compared to 20 years ago (223 in 2004/05) and down from 495 in 1981 but one death is still one too many.
Sarah Albon, HSE Chief Executive, emphasises that “Great Britain is one of the world’s safest places to work… but each death represents a tragedy… we cannot accept that fatal accidents are an inevitable part of working life”
Ruth Wilkinson of IOSH adds:
“One death is too many… nearly two‑and‑a‑half deaths every week last year, so this is no cause for celebration”
Mesothelioma & Occupational Disease
Though not part of fatality figures, 2,218 reported deaths in 2023 were from mesothelioma caused by past asbestos exposure—a decline of 62 from 2022, signalling long-term disease reduction. The number still remains high prioritising the need for continued protection measures against asbestos exposure.
Takeaways
Despite a downward trend in fatal workplace accidents, one death is too many. Employers—particularly in construction, agriculture, and recycling—must:
Prioritise fall prevention, safe machinery operation, and site stability
Ensure risk assessments and worker training are up to date
Pay special attention to older and self-employed workers
Utilise guidance and professional audits to prevent complacency
Let’s continue to reduce the number workplace fatalities by making sure health and safety isn’t optional—it’s essential.
If you would like to discuss further please call us on 01462 892021 or email to hello@safety360.uk