Construction Fatalities Remain a Concern Despite UK & Irish Declines

Construction Fatalities Remain a Concern Despite UK & Irish Declines

Recent statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in Great Britain and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in Ireland paint a complex picture of construction site safety. While both nations have reported a decrease in overall workplace fatalities, the construction sector continues to grapple with a disproportionately high number of incidents, with falls from height remaining a leading cause of death. Regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders are intensifying efforts through new action plans and inspection campaigns to further reduce these preventable tragedies.

UK Construction: Progress Made, But Risks Persist

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that 124 workers lost their lives in work-related incidents across Great Britain during the 2024/25 reporting period. Of these, 35 fatalities occurred within the construction sector. This figure represents a decrease from 50 construction-related deaths in the previous year and is below the five-year average of approximately 40 fatalities per year. Despite this reduction, construction still accounts for 28% of all workplace fatalities, despite employing only around 6% of the UK's workforce, highlighting the significant inherent risks.

Falls from height remain the primary cause of fatal injuries within construction and across all industries, accounting for 35 worker deaths in 2024/25. Common scenarios leading to these incidents include falls from roofs and scaffolding, ladder-related incidents, and unprotected openings. Other significant contributors to fatal injuries included being struck by a moving object (18 deaths) and being trapped by something collapsing or overturning (17 deaths).

Beyond fatalities, the construction sector recorded an estimated 79,000 workers suffering from work-related ill health (new or long-standing) averaged over the period 2022/23 to 2024/25. Musculoskeletal disorders continue to be a major concern, accounting for 53% of all ill-health cases in construction, with an estimated 41,000 workers affected. Approximately 15,000 construction workers also reported suffering from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety.

Irish Construction Sector Sees Significant Decline in Fatalities

Ireland recorded its lowest-ever rate of work-related fatalities in 2024, with a total of 33 people losing their lives in work-related incidents, a reduction of almost a quarter from 2023. The construction sector, in particular, saw a significant decline, with five fatalities in 2024, a 50% reduction from the 10 deaths reported in 2023. While this is a positive development, provisional data for 2025 indicates a rise to 10 construction-related fatalities, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance.

Working at height, equipment handling, and psychosocial issues were key areas of focus for the HSA in 2024. In 2024, there were 10,441 non-fatal incidents reported to the HSA across all sectors. The construction sector, despite the reduction in fatalities, still has the highest rates of work-related injuries leading to four or more days of absence from work.

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The HSA launched a nationwide inspection campaign in 2024 specifically targeting the dangers of working at height on construction sites. This campaign aimed to promote compliance with safety regulations and reduce accidents and fatalities related to working at height and ergonomics. Inspectors focused on risk assessments, safety planning, worker training and competence, and the proper use of fall prevention equipment.

Regulatory Changes and Future Outlook

In the UK, significant updates to building regulations came into effect in April 2024, particularly impacting higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022. These changes aim to improve sustainability, safety, and energy efficiency, with a strong emphasis on fire safety regulations and the use of non-combustible materials in tall buildings. The transitional period for these new rules ended on April 6, 2024, meaning the new regimes are now fully in force.

In Ireland, the Construction Products Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 came into effect on January 8, 2026, replacing the previous 2011 Regulation. This updated regulation introduces a mandatory Digital Product Passport (DPP) for construction products and enhanced declarations of performance, including environmental sustainability declarations. These changes aim to strengthen the internal market, accelerate digitalisation, and improve environmental performance across the construction sector. Additionally, new Building Control (Amendment) Regulations were signed in March 2024, with some provisions coming into operation on September 1, 2024, and others on May 1, 2025, introducing new sections on smoke control, existing structures, and sprinklers.

The commitment to reducing incidents in both the UK and Ireland is evident through continued regulatory updates and proactive campaigns. The Construction Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (CSPAC) in Ireland published a new 2025-2027 Action Plan to further enhance occupational safety and health standards. This plan builds on previous successes, which saw a 42% reduction in construction fatalities over the timeframe of the last CSPAC plan. These ongoing efforts, combined with a focus on comprehensive training and adherence to best practices, are crucial for fostering a safer working environment in the construction industry.

For further information on health and safety training and compliance, including specialised courses for the construction sector, please visit Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.