UK Construction Fatalities on the Rise
The UK construction industry is facing renewed scrutiny following a concerning increase in fatalities during the 2023/24 reporting period. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported 51 deaths in construction, a rise from 47 the previous year. This figure represents over a third of the total 138 workplace fatalities across all sectors in the UK for that period. The fatal injury rate in construction stands at 1.96 per 100,000 workers, approximately 4.9 times higher than the all-industry rate.
Falls from height continue to be the leading cause of fatal injuries, accounting for 50 of the 138 deaths across all industries in 2023/24. Provisional figures for April 2024 to March 2025 indicate a reduction in overall worker deaths in Great Britain to 124, with construction accounting for 35 of these. However, the five-year average for construction worker deaths remains at 40 per year (2020/21–2024/25).
Beyond fatalities, the sector also grapples with a high number of non-fatal injuries and work-related ill health. An estimated 79,000 construction workers suffered from work-related ill health (new or long-standing) averaged over the period 2022/23 to 2024/25. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) contribute to 53% of all such cases, while lung disorders affect around 5,000 workers. The HSE's Labour Force Survey data indicates approximately 50,000 construction workers self-reported a non-fatal injury over the three-year period from 2022/23 to 2024/25, equivalent to 1 in 40 workers. Falls from height (33%) and slips, trips, and falls (30%) together account for over half of all non-fatal injuries in the sector.
Ireland's Fluctuating Safety Landscape
In contrast to the UK's rising fatality trend in 2023/24, Ireland achieved its lowest-ever rate of work-related fatalities in 2024, with provisional data from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) reporting 33 deaths across all sectors. The construction sector in Ireland saw a significant decline in fatalities in 2024, dropping by 50% from 10 deaths in 2023 to 5. Vehicle-related incidents, heavy/falling objects, and falls from height were the leading causes of work-related fatalities in Ireland in 2024, accounting for 64% of all fatalities.
However, provisional figures for 2025 indicate an increase in overall work-related fatalities, with 58 deaths reported, a 61% rise from 2024. The construction sector recorded 10 fatalities in 2025, compared to 5 in 2024. The HSA's 2023-2024 Annual Review of Workplace Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities highlighted that in 2024, there were 10,441 non-fatal incidents reported, a 3% increase from 2023. The construction sector had the highest rates of work-related injuries leading to four or more days of absence from work, and musculoskeletal disorders were the most common type of work-related illness in construction.
Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see working at heights trainer courses or explore lone worker safety training for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.
Regulatory Responses and Ongoing Campaigns
Both the HSE and HSA are actively implementing campaigns and initiatives to address these safety concerns. The HSE launched a month-long national campaign in February 2026, aimed at reducing workplace accidents on construction sites. This campaign involves surprise visits to sites by HSE inspectors, focusing on high-risk activities like working at height and with heavy machinery, as well as general site order and welfare facilities. The HSE is also targeting specific health issues, including dust at construction sites (silica and wood) and asbestos in older buildings. Additionally, the HSE has urged construction companies to strengthen site security, particularly during school holidays, to prevent unauthorised access and protect children from hazards.
In Ireland, the HSA has launched a national action plan for construction safety for 2025-2027, developed in conjunction with the Construction Safety Partnership Advisory Committee. This plan focuses on lifting standards, ensuring consistent practices, and sharing responsibility across all parties in a construction project. The HSA also announced a targeted inspection campaign in response to the 25% year-on-year increase in reported injuries within the construction sector in 2024. These inspections focus on sites with fewer than 20 workers, specifically examining working at height arrangements, manual handling practices, and the adequacy of site safety statements. The HSA has also launched a nationwide inspection campaign to strengthen driving for work safety, which includes the construction sector.
The continuous efforts of regulatory bodies underscore the persistent challenges in ensuring comprehensive safety across the construction industry in both the UK and Ireland. Adherence to regulations, proactive risk management, and comprehensive training remain paramount to safeguarding workers' lives and health.
For further information on construction safety training and compliance, please visit Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.