The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has shared its latest fatality stats. Between April 2024 and March 2025, 124 workers lost their lives in work-related incidents. That’s 14 fewer deaths than the previous year.
The number looks steady. It’s still in line with figures seen before COVID. But it’s a far cry from the 1981 total of 495 deaths. Or the 223 recorded in 2004/05.
Where the Deaths Happened
Two industries stand out.
Construction saw the most worker deaths at 35. Agriculture, forestry and fishing followed with 23. These sectors have long been high-risk. Even with safety measures, the work environment brings constant hazards.
When it comes to the rate of fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, agriculture leads. Waste and recycling also saw higher-than-average fatal injury rates.
How People Died
The leading cause? Falls from height. These accidents took 35 lives. That’s over a quarter of all work-related deaths in the year.
The numbers show the same pattern seen before. Falls remain stubbornly high despite safety campaigns.
The report also covers people who weren’t working but still died in work-related incidents. In 2024/25, 92 members of the public were killed this way. These include people on work premises, not employees. It doesn’t count health or care home patients.
These deaths often get less attention. But they’re a big part of the safety picture.
Training still plays a big part in prevention. One key method is proper investigation. An accident and incident investigation training course helps safety officers look deeper. It gives them tools to find out what really went wrong. And how to stop it happening again.
When something goes wrong, the first few minutes matter. First aid courses provide workers with vital knowledge to respond appropriately. This training is especially important in high-risk jobs like construction and farming.
Mesothelioma Deaths Still a Concern
It’s not just accidents. Some deaths come from past exposure. The HSE reported 2,218 deaths from mesothelioma in 2023. That’s a cancer linked to asbestos.
Most people exposed to asbestos came into contact with it decades ago. Often before the 1980s. Although the numbers are falling, they’re still high. In the 2010s, the yearly average was over 2,500 deaths.
The HSE expects numbers to drop further over the next ten years. But asbestos is still in many buildings. The risk hasn’t gone.
Long-Term Trends Show Progress
Looking at the past helps. Twenty years ago, workplace deaths were nearly double what they are now. In 1981, the figure was almost four times higher.
The steady drop shows safety rules and awareness do work. But it’s a slow climb. And there’s no room for easing off.
HSE’s Message
HSE Chief Executive Sarah Albon called each death a tragedy. She said the UK remains one of the safest places to work. But she warned against getting too comfortable.
Her message was clear. Fatalities aren’t just part of working life. They can be prevented. HSE offers free guidance to help.
Let’s Not Shrug This Off
The numbers are better. That’s good. But 124 workers didn’t go home last year. Neither did 92 members of the public.
Behind each number is a real person. A family. A workplace left in shock.
Training helps. Clear rules help. So does action. Complacency doesn’t.
Resource: https://press.hse.gov.uk/2025/07/02/latest-annual-work-related-fatalities-published/
