Workplace Fatalities: Divergent Trends in UK and Ireland Revealed
Recent statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in Great Britain and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in Ireland reveal contrasting landscapes in workplace safety for the 2023/24 period. While Great Britain saw a slight increase in work-related fatalities, Ireland achieved a significant reduction, reaching a record low fatality rate. Both reports, however, underscore persistent challenges in specific high-risk sectors and highlight the ongoing impact of occupational ill-health.
Great Britain: Slight Rise in Fatalities, Persistent Ill-Health Concerns
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that 138 workers tragically lost their lives in work-related accidents across Great Britain between April 2023 and March 2024. This represents a slight increase of two fatalities compared to the 136 recorded in the previous year (2022/23).
A detailed analysis of the provisional statistics indicates that approximately two-thirds (65%) of these fatal injuries occurred in just three sectors: construction, agriculture, forestry and fishing, and manufacturing. Falls from height continue to be a leading cause of death, accounting for 36% of all worker fatalities, followed by being struck by a moving vehicle (18%) and being struck by a moving object (14%).
Beyond fatalities, the HSE's annual statistics also shed light on the broader impact of workplace health and safety. An estimated 1.7 million workers suffered from work-related ill-health in 2023/24. Of this number, approximately 776,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, highlighting a significant mental health burden. These conditions contributed to an estimated 33.7 million working days lost due to ill-health and injury in 2023/24.
The economic cost of workplace injury and new cases of ill-health from current working conditions was estimated at £21.6 billion in 2022/23.
Ireland: Record Low Fatalities Amidst Rising Non-Fatal Incidents
In contrast to Great Britain, Ireland achieved a significant milestone in workplace safety. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) reported 36 work-related fatalities in 2024, a decrease of 16% from the 43 recorded in 2023. This marks the lowest fatality rate per 100,000 workers (1.3) in Ireland since the HSA's establishment.
Despite this positive trend in fatalities, non-fatal workplace incidents reported to the HSA saw an increase of 3% in 2024, reaching 10,441. This figure is also 14% higher than the five-year average. The Human Health and Social Work Activities sector recorded the highest number of non-fatal incidents (24%). Manual handling and slipping/falling were identified as the most common triggers for non-fatal incidents in 2024.
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The agricultural sector, despite a decrease in fatalities, continues to be the highest-risk industry, accounting for 33% of all fatalities in 2024. The construction sector also saw a reduction in fatalities, dropping from 11 in 2023 to 5 in 2024. However, for the first time, the Water Supply; Sewerage, Waste Management and Remediation Activities sector accounted for a significant 17% of fatalities in 2024.
The HSA's 2023 annual report had previously noted that 43 people lost their lives in work-related incidents in 2023. Farming (16 fatalities) and construction (11 fatalities) were the sectors with the highest numbers in that year, accounting for over two-thirds of all fatalities. Working with vehicles (13 fatalities) and falls from height (11 fatalities) were the leading causes of work-related fatalities in 2023.
Addressing the Challenges Ahead
Both the HSE and HSA data highlight the critical need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to enhance workplace safety. While Ireland's success in reducing fatalities is commendable, the rise in non-fatal incidents indicates that much work remains to be done to prevent all forms of workplace harm. Similarly, Great Britain's persistent fatality rates and significant burden of occupational ill-health demand renewed focus on effective risk management and health promotion strategies.
The figures underscore the importance of targeted interventions in high-risk sectors like agriculture and construction, addressing prevalent hazards such as falls from height and incidents involving vehicles and machinery. Furthermore, the increasing recognition of mental health as a significant workplace issue necessitates comprehensive wellbeing programmes that support employees' psychological as well as physical health.
For businesses seeking to improve their health and safety performance and ensure compliance with the latest regulations, comprehensive training is essential. Abertay Training, at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk, offers a wide range of courses designed to equip workers and management with the knowledge and skills needed to create safer working environments.