HSE Reveals 135 Worker Fatalities in Great Britain 2023/24
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its provisional annual statistics for workplace fatal injuries in Great Britain for the period 2023/24. The figures reveal that 135 workers were killed in work-related incidents during the year, a slight decrease from the 136 fatalities recorded in 2022/23. While any reduction is welcome, the persistent number of tragic deaths underscores the ongoing need for robust health and safety management across all sectors.
Construction, agriculture, forestry and fishing, and manufacturing continue to be the sectors with the highest rates of fatal injuries. Construction alone accounted for 47 fatalities, remaining the industry with the highest number of deaths for the fifth consecutive year. Agriculture, forestry and fishing, despite employing a smaller workforce, recorded 21 fatalities, highlighting its inherent risks and the challenges in implementing safety measures in diverse, often remote, environments. Manufacturing saw 16 fatalities, while wholesale and retail trade, and transport and storage each recorded 15 deaths.
The HSE's Chief Executive, Sarah Albon, commented on the findings, stating, "Every fatality is a tragedy, and our commitment to preventing work-related deaths and injuries remains unwavering. While the headline number shows a slight decrease, the underlying trends indicate that too many workers are still facing preventable risks. We urge all employers to review their safety procedures and ensure that robust measures are in place to protect their workforce."
Key Causes and Demographics
Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal injuries, accounting for 40 deaths in 2023/24. This consistent trend highlights the critical importance of effective work-at-height regulations, proper equipment, and comprehensive training. Being struck by a moving vehicle was the second most common cause, responsible for 21 fatalities, followed by being struck by a moving object (18 deaths) and contact with moving machinery (10 deaths).
Demographically, male workers continue to be disproportionately affected, accounting for 129 of the 135 fatalities. This disparity is often attributed to the higher representation of men in historically high-risk industries such as construction and manufacturing. The age demographic also shows that older workers (aged 60 and over) continue to be at higher risk, accounting for 35 fatalities, more than a quarter of the total. This may be due to a combination of factors, including cumulative exposure to hazards, potential age-related physical changes, and a reluctance to report safety concerns.
The provisional figures also indicate that six members of the public were killed in incidents connected to workplaces during 2023/24. This statistic, while lower than worker fatalities, serves as a reminder that workplace safety extends beyond employees to include contractors, visitors, and the general public who may be affected by work activities.
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Long-Term Trends and Future Outlook
When viewed over a five-year period (2019/20 – 2023/24), the average number of annual worker fatalities stands at 133. This consistent level of fatalities underscores a plateau in the rate of improvement seen in previous decades. While significant strides have been made in workplace safety since the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the current figures suggest that further, more targeted interventions may be required to drive down these numbers significantly.
The HSE's strategy for the coming year will focus on high-risk sectors and specific areas of concern, such as work at height and vehicle movements. Enforcement actions, including prosecutions and improvement notices, will continue to play a vital role in ensuring compliance and deterring negligence. Furthermore, the HSE plans to intensify its engagement with industry bodies and trade unions to foster a stronger safety culture and promote best practices.
These provisional statistics will be further detailed in the annual Health and Safety Statistics release in November 2024, which will include data on non-fatal injuries, ill-health, and enforcement action. This comprehensive report will provide a more complete picture of the state of health and safety in Great Britain and inform future policy and intervention strategies.
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