HSE Reports 135 Workplace Fatalities in Great Britain for 2023/24

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its provisional annual statistics for work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain for 2023/24. The figures indicate that 135 workers were killed in incidents at work, a slight decrease from the 136 fatalities recorded in 2022/23. While any reduction is welcome, the persistent high number underscores the critical need for continued vigilance and robust safety protocols across all industries.

The data, published on 10 July 2024, provides a stark reminder of the human cost of workplace hazards. The HSE's report highlights key sectors and incident types that continue to pose the greatest risks to workers. These provisional statistics are a crucial benchmark for assessing the effectiveness of current health and safety strategies and for identifying areas requiring targeted intervention.

Sarah Albon, HSE's Chief Executive, commented on the release: 'Every fatality is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives. While we have seen a long-term decline in work-related fatalities, these figures remind us that there is no room for complacency. We must all continue to work together to ensure that every worker can return home safely at the end of their shift.'

Sector-Specific Breakdown and Key Incident Types

The HSE's provisional data consistently shows that certain sectors disproportionately contribute to the overall fatality figures. For 2023/24, the sectors with the highest number of fatal injuries were:

  • Construction: This sector continues to lead with 47 fatalities, accounting for approximately 35% of all worker deaths. This trend is consistent with previous years, reflecting the inherent risks associated with construction activities such as working at height, moving vehicles, and heavy machinery.
  • Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing: This sector recorded 21 fatalities, maintaining its position as one of the most dangerous industries per capita. Incidents often involve farm machinery, livestock, and falls from height.
  • Manufacturing: 15 fatalities were reported in manufacturing, highlighting risks associated with machinery operation, maintenance, and material handling.
  • Transportation and Storage: This sector saw 16 fatalities, primarily due to incidents involving vehicles, falls, and being struck by objects.

The most common causes of fatal injuries across all sectors in 2023/24 included:

  • Falls from height: This remains the leading cause of fatal injuries, accounting for 40 deaths. This category consistently tops the list, emphasising the need for stringent measures for work at height.
  • Struck by a moving vehicle: 29 fatalities were attributed to incidents involving moving vehicles, including cars, lorries, and forklifts.
  • Struck by a moving object: This category resulted in 20 deaths, often involving falling objects, objects ejected from machinery, or objects being handled unsafely.
  • Contact with moving machinery: 10 fatalities were due to contact with moving parts of machinery.
  • Trapped by something collapsing or overturning: 7 deaths were recorded under this category.

These statistics provide crucial insights for employers, safety professionals, and regulators to target preventative measures effectively. The HSE reiterates its commitment to working with industries to reduce these tragic figures, focusing on high-risk activities and sectors.

Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see working at heights trainer courses or explore COSHH assessor training for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.

Long-Term Trends and Future Outlook

While the 2023/24 figures show a slight year-on-year decrease, the long-term trend in work-related fatalities in Great Britain has seen a significant decline over the past four decades. In 1981, there were 495 fatal injuries to workers, demonstrating the substantial progress made in health and safety regulations and practices. However, the plateauing of these numbers in recent years suggests that further reductions require renewed effort and innovative approaches.

The HSE's strategy includes continued enforcement action, targeted inspections in high-risk sectors, and proactive engagement with businesses to promote best practices. Emphasis is also placed on raising awareness about common hazards and ensuring that employers fulfil their legal duties to protect their workforce.

Looking ahead, the HSE will continue to analyse detailed data to understand underlying causes and contributing factors to these incidents. This includes examining the impact of emerging technologies, new working practices, and evolving risks. The provisional figures will be finalised and published later in the year, alongside detailed analysis of non-fatal injuries and work-related ill health statistics.

These sobering statistics underscore the enduring importance of comprehensive health and safety training and robust risk management. Organisations must prioritise creating a strong safety culture, ensuring all employees are adequately trained and aware of potential hazards. For businesses looking to enhance their safety protocols and ensure compliance, Abertay Training offers a wide range of accredited health and safety courses designed to meet industry demands and reduce workplace risks. You can find out more about their offerings at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.