UK Construction Sees Concerning Rise in Fatalities
The UK construction industry recorded a significant increase in fatalities during the 2023/24 reporting period, with 51 deaths, up from 47 the previous year. This figure represents over a third of the total 138 workplace fatalities across all sectors in the UK, according to new data released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). 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. This was followed by being struck by a moving vehicle or object.
The fatal injury rate in construction stands at 1.96 per 100,000 workers, approximately 4.9 times higher than the all-industry rate. The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has expressed serious concerns over these numbers, urging immediate action to reduce workplace deaths.
Looking ahead, 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, a decrease from 50 in the previous year. However, the five-year average for construction worker deaths remains at 40 per year.
Ireland Achieves Record Low in Work-Related Fatalities for 2024, But 2025 Sees Uptick in Construction
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 marked a reduction of almost a quarter compared to 2023's 43 fatalities. The fatality rate per 100,000 workers fell from 2.7 in 2015 to a record low of 1.2 in 2024, the fewest work-related deaths since the HSA's establishment in 1989.
The construction sector in Ireland saw 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.
Leading causes of fatalities in Ireland in 2024 included vehicle-related incidents (10 fatalities), incidents involving heavy/falling objects (6 fatalities), and falls from height (5 fatalities), collectively accounting for 64% of all work-related deaths.
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Regulatory Actions and Ongoing Challenges
Regulatory bodies in both the UK and Ireland continue to take enforcement action against companies failing to uphold safety standards. Recent prosecutions highlight the severe consequences of neglecting health and safety protocols.
In the UK, a construction company was recently fined £60,000 after a worker suffered life-changing injuries from falling through an unprotected roof light. The HSE investigation found the company failed to implement suitable measures to prevent falls from height, which remain a leading cause of workplace death and serious injury.
Irish courts have also imposed significant fines for construction safety breaches. Three companies faced fines totalling €190,000 in one year for incidents where hazards, such as unguarded openings and scaffolding failures, were not addressed. Notably, Colas Contracting Ltd was fined €270,000 following a fatal incident during road resurfacing works in Kerry, due to failures in providing a safe system of work. Another Waterford company received a €150,000 fine after a worker was struck and killed by masonry from a wall.
The HSA's 2023 report also drew attention to the importance of addressing psychosocial risks in the construction sector, introducing tools like "WorkPositiveCI" to help employers manage workplace stress and mental health challenges. Both the HSE and HSA continue to emphasise the importance of proactive risk management, thorough planning, and effective training to mitigate risks and foster a strong safety culture.
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