Rising Fatalities and Persistent Ill-Health in Great Britain
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its annual statistics for 2023/24, painting a mixed but concerning picture for workplace safety in Great Britain. While there was a slight decrease in self-reported work-related ill health compared to the previous year, both work-related fatalities and non-fatal injuries saw an increase.
A total of 138 workers were killed in work-related accidents in Great Britain during 2023/24, an increase of two fatalities from 2022/23. This figure indicates that workplaces in Great Britain are no safer than they were a decade ago, with fatalities remaining broadly in line with pre-pandemic levels. The provisional nature of the 2023/24 fatality figure means it will be finalised in July 2025.
The construction, agriculture, forestry, and fishing, and manufacturing sectors collectively accounted for approximately two-thirds (65%) of all fatal injuries in 2023/24. Construction alone saw 51 deaths, an increase of four from the previous year, and its fatal injury rate is about five times higher than the average across all industries. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing continue to be high-risk sectors, with a fatal injury rate 21 times higher than the average, recording 23 fatal injuries in 2023/24. The most common causes of fatal accidents include falls from height, being struck by a moving vehicle, and being struck by a moving object, accounting for over half of all fatal incidents.
Regarding ill-health, 1.7 million working people reported suffering from a work-related illness in 2023/24, a slight decrease from 1.8 million in the previous year. However, this rate remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. Stress, depression, or anxiety continue to be significant contributors, affecting an estimated 776,000 workers, though this is a decrease from 910,000 in 2022/23. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders affected 543,000 workers, a 15% increase compared to 2022/23.
An estimated 33.7 million working days were lost in 2023/24 due to self-reported work-related ill health or injury. The estimated annual cost of workplace injury and new cases of work-related ill health reached £21.6 billion in 2022/23.
Irish Workplaces See Decline in Fatalities but Rise in Non-Fatal Incidents
In Ireland, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) reported a decrease in work-related fatalities for 2024, with 33 deaths recorded, down from 43 in 2023. This marks a record low fatality rate per 100,000 workers, at 1.2, the lowest since the HSA's inception in 1989.
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Significant improvements were noted in high-risk sectors, with construction experiencing a 50% reduction in fatalities (from 10 in 2023 to 5 in 2024) and agriculture seeing a 40% decrease (from 20 in 2023 to 12 in 2024). Despite this, the agricultural sector remains one of the highest-risk industries. Self-employed workers accounted for 18 of the 33 fatalities, and individuals aged 55 and older represented two-thirds of all fatalities in 2024. Vehicle-related incidents, accidents involving heavy or falling objects, and falls from heights were the primary contributors to work-related fatalities.
However, the HSA's 2023-2024 Annual Review also highlighted a concerning increase in non-fatal workplace incidents. In 2024, there were 10,441 non-fatal workplace incidents reported, a 3% increase from 2023 and 14% above the five-year average. The Human Health and Social Work Activities sector recorded the highest number of incidents (24%) among workers, while manual handling was the most common trigger for non-fatal incidents. Lost working time due to injuries and illnesses remains substantial, with 688,000 days lost due to injuries and 1,330,000 days due to illnesses in 2023.
The Economic and Human Cost of Workplace Incidents
The statistics from both Great Britain and Ireland underscore the significant economic and human cost of workplace accidents and ill-health. Beyond the tragic loss of life and serious injuries, there are substantial financial burdens on individuals, businesses, and national economies. In Great Britain, the estimated annual cost reached £21.6 billion in 2022/23. These costs encompass lost output, healthcare expenses, and the monetary valuation of pain, grief, and suffering.
The persistent challenges highlighted in these reports necessitate continued vigilance and proactive measures from employers and employees alike. Emphasis on robust risk assessments, comprehensive training, and fostering a strong safety culture remains paramount. The rise in mental health-related ill-health in Great Britain also points to the growing importance of addressing psychological well-being in the workplace.
Organisations like Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk play a crucial role in providing the necessary training and resources to help businesses meet their health and safety obligations and mitigate these risks.