UK Construction Sector Sees Concerning Rise in Fatalities

The UK construction industry has reported a significant increase in worker fatalities for the 2023/24 reporting period. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 51 construction workers lost their lives, a rise from 47 in the previous year. This figure accounts for over a third of the total 138 workplace fatalities across all sectors in the UK.

Falls from height continue to be the leading cause of fatal injuries across all industries, responsible for 35 of the 124 deaths recorded between April 2024 and March 2025. The fatal injury rate in construction currently stands at 1.96 per 100,000 workers, which is approximately 4.9 times higher than the average rate across all industries. The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has voiced serious concerns regarding these statistics, calling for immediate action to reduce workplace deaths.

While 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, the five-year average for construction worker deaths remains at 40 per year.

Ireland's Mixed Safety Landscape: Record Lows and Recent Challenges

In contrast to the UK, 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. This represented a reduction of almost a quarter compared to 2023, and the fatality rate per 100,000 workers fell from 2.7 in 2015 to 1.2 in 2024.

The Irish construction sector experienced a significant decline in fatalities in 2024, dropping by 50% from 10 deaths in 2023 to 5. However, provisional figures for 2025 indicate an increase, with 10 construction workers dying in work-related incidents, doubling the 2024 figure. Despite this rise, the 2025 figure remains below the 11 construction deaths recorded in 2023.

Vehicle-related incidents (10 fatalities), heavy/falling objects (6 fatalities), and falls from height (5 fatalities) were the leading causes of work-related fatalities in Ireland in 2024, together accounting for 64% of all fatalities. 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.

Evolving Regulatory Frameworks and Industry Initiatives

UK Building Safety Act and CDM Regulations

The UK is undergoing a significant transformation in building safety legislation with the full implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022. This landmark legislation aims to improve the safety of higher-risk buildings, particularly residential structures at least 18 metres or seven storeys tall. The Act establishes a new regulatory framework with new oversight bodies, such as the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), and strengthens accountability for building safety throughout a structure's lifecycle, from design and construction to occupation.

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Elements of the Act came into force during 2022 and 2023, with key regulations for duty holders becoming enforceable in England in October 2023. Regulations relating to higher-risk buildings came into force in 2024. The Act introduces criminal liability for site managers and mandates enhanced fire safety systems for buildings over 11 metres. A crucial aspect is the 'golden thread' of information, a legal requirement from April 2024, which refers to a secure, digital record of all safety-critical information about a building maintained throughout its lifecycle.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) remain the main set of rules for managing health, safety, and welfare on UK construction projects, covering all types of construction work.

Irish Safety Initiatives and Regulations

In Ireland, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 291 of 2013) form the core legislative framework for construction safety. These regulations were amended by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 528/2021) to adjust the validity period for safety awareness cards.

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) launched its 2025 'Back to Basics' campaign, urging construction firms across Ireland to refocus on essential practices that prevent falls. The initiative, running until October 24th, highlights the need for a stronger safety culture and active on-site vigilance, focusing on safety leadership, working with utilities, developing new talent, managing critical risks, and fall prevention. Over the past decade, 70 construction workers have died from falls in Ireland, with six more fatalities already reported in 2025.

The Irish Safe Pass plays a crucial role in promoting safer working conditions, providing workers with the knowledge and awareness needed to recognise hazards and reduce risks. It is a legal requirement for all construction workers in Ireland to hold a valid Safe Pass card.

The Construction Safety Partnership Advisory Committee, in conjunction with the HSA, published a 2025-2027 Action Plan in July 2025, pushing for safer sites, fewer accidents, and clearer accountability. This plan emphasises consistent standards, active HSA inspections, and shared responsibility across all levels, with particular attention to smaller contractors and self-employed workers who constitute over 92% of construction businesses in Ireland.

For comprehensive training and compliance solutions in health and safety, businesses often turn to expert providers. Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk offers a range of courses designed to meet current regulatory requirements and foster a strong safety culture.