The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its annual fatal injury statistics for 2024/25, recording 138 worker fatalities across Great Britain — a figure broadly consistent with recent years but representing an ongoing challenge for workplace safety enforcement.
Which Sectors Are Most Dangerous?
Construction remained the most dangerous industry by absolute numbers, accounting for 36 fatalities — approximately 26% of all worker deaths despite representing a much smaller proportion of the overall workforce. Agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded the highest rate of fatal injury per 100,000 workers, continuing a long-standing pattern that has proved resistant to intervention.
| Sector | Fatalities 2024/25 | Rate per 100,000 workers |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 36 | 1.62 |
| Agriculture, forestry & fishing | 22 | 8.14 |
| Manufacturing | 19 | 0.72 |
| Transport & storage | 17 | 0.91 |
| Wholesale & retail | 11 | 0.28 |
Main Causes of Fatal Injuries
Falls from height remained the single largest cause of workplace death, accounting for 40 fatalities (29%). Being struck by a moving object was the second most common cause, followed by being trapped by something collapsing or overturning.
"Every worker death is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. Behind each statistic is a person who went to work and did not come home." — HSE Chief Executive, Sarah Albon
What Employers Must Do
The HSE has reiterated that the majority of workplace fatalities are preventable through proper risk assessment, adequate training, and robust management systems. Employers are legally required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees.
Key obligations highlighted in the HSE's accompanying guidance include: conducting and reviewing suitable risk assessments; providing adequate information, instruction, training and supervision; maintaining safe plant and equipment; and ensuring safe systems of work are in place and followed.
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View Courses →Enforcement Action
The HSE issued 9,468 enforcement notices in 2024/25 and prosecuted 493 cases, resulting in fines totalling over £34 million. The regulator has indicated it will continue to prioritise proactive inspection in high-risk sectors, particularly construction sites and agricultural operations.
Employers found to have committed serious breaches of health and safety law face unlimited fines, and directors can face personal prosecution under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.