HSE Issues Urgent Guidance After Rise in Construction Fatalities Across Great Britain

London, UK – The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today issued an urgent call to action for the construction industry, following a concerning rise in the number of fatal incidents reported across Great Britain in the past year. Preliminary figures for the 2023/24 reporting period indicate that construction remains one of the riskiest sectors, prompting the regulator to re-emphasise fundamental safety principles and the critical importance of robust risk management.

According to the HSE's provisional statistics, the construction sector accounted for a significant proportion of all workplace fatalities. While detailed figures are still being finalised, early indications suggest an upward trend compared to previous years, where the sector typically saw between 30 and 40 fatal injuries annually. This increase underscores the persistent hazards present on construction sites, from working at height to vehicle movements and structural collapses.

Sarah Albon, Chief Executive of the HSE, commented on the situation: “Every fatality on a construction site is a tragedy and a stark reminder of the fundamental duty employers have to protect their workers. We are seeing a worrying trend, and while the industry has made strides in safety over decades, complacency is a dangerous enemy. This new guidance is not just a reminder; it’s a critical call for every employer, contractor, and worker to reassess their approach to safety.”

Key Areas of Concern and New Guidance Focus

The HSE's renewed guidance focuses on several key areas that consistently contribute to serious incidents and fatalities. These include:

  • Working at Height: Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal and serious injuries in construction. The guidance reiterates the hierarchy of control measures, emphasising the need to avoid working at height where possible, use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls, and where the risk cannot be eliminated, use equipment to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall. Specific attention is drawn to the correct use of scaffolding, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), and fragile roofs.
  • Site Transport and Vehicle Movements: Collisions between vehicles and pedestrians, or between vehicles themselves, are another major contributor to fatalities. The HSE stresses the importance of clear segregation of vehicles and pedestrians, well-planned traffic routes, effective signage, and the use of trained banksmen or marshals. Regular maintenance of vehicles and the provision of adequate visibility aids (e.g., reversing cameras, mirrors) are also highlighted.
  • Structural Stability and Excavation Safety: Incidents involving structural collapse during demolition or construction, and trench collapses in excavation work, continue to cause serious harm. The guidance reinforces the need for competent persons to plan and supervise such operations, ensuring structures are adequately supported and excavations are properly shored or battered back to a safe angle, in accordance with BS 6031:2009.
  • Competence and Supervision: The HSE is particularly keen to highlight the importance of adequate supervision and ensuring all workers are competent for the tasks they undertake. This includes appropriate training, experience, and the necessary qualifications. Lack of supervision often leads to shortcuts, which can have catastrophic consequences.

The new guidance, available on the HSE website, provides practical advice and links to existing Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) and industry standards. It encourages employers to conduct thorough risk assessments, implement effective control measures, and regularly review their safety procedures.

Industry Response and The Role of Training

Industry bodies have largely welcomed the HSE's proactive stance. Kevin Minton, Chief Executive of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), stated, “The safety of our workforce is paramount. We fully support the HSE’s efforts to drive down accident rates. It’s a collective responsibility, and every company, regardless of size, must ensure their safety protocols are not just on paper, but actively implemented and monitored.”

Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see conflict management trainer courses or explore abrasive wheels trainer courses for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.

The emphasis on competence and supervision brings the role of training into sharp focus. The HSE consistently highlights that a well-trained workforce is a safer workforce. This includes not only specific task-based training but also a strong understanding of general site safety, emergency procedures, and the ability to identify and report hazards.

For example, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards, which demonstrate that individuals working on construction sites have the required training and qualifications for the type of work they undertake, are more crucial than ever. Furthermore, ongoing professional development and refresher training are vital to ensure knowledge remains current and best practices are adhered to.

The HSE's renewed focus serves as a critical reminder that while construction is a dynamic and essential industry, the safety of its workers must never be compromised. Employers are urged to review their current safety management systems against the latest guidance and to foster a culture where safety is not just a priority, but an ingrained value at every level of an organisation.

For organisations seeking to enhance their health and safety compliance and training provisions, Abertay Training offers comprehensive solutions tailored to the construction sector. More information can be found at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.