Workplace Fatalities: A Divergent Path for Great Britain and Ireland
Recent statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for Great Britain and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) for Ireland paint a divergent picture of workplace safety in 2023/24. While Great Britain saw a slight increase in work-related fatalities, Ireland recorded its lowest-ever rate of work-related deaths. Both reports, however, underscore persistent challenges in non-fatal injuries and occupational ill-health.
Great Britain: Fatalities Edge Up, Ill-Health Persists
In Great Britain, 138 workers lost their lives in work-related accidents between April 2023 and March 2024. This marks an increase of two fatalities from the previous year's figure of 136. The HSE's annual statistics reveal that approximately two-thirds (65%) of these fatal injuries occurred in just three sectors: construction, agriculture, forestry and fishing, and manufacturing. Falls from a height remain the leading cause, accounting for 36% of all worker deaths, followed by being struck by a moving vehicle (18%) and being struck by a moving object (14%).
Beyond fatalities, work-related ill-health continues to be a significant concern. An estimated 1.7 million working people suffered from work-related illnesses in 2023/24, a slight decrease from 1.8 million in the previous year. Of this figure, around 776,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. These mental health issues alone resulted in 16.4 million lost working days in 2023/24, a reduction from the previous year but still above pre-pandemic levels. Musculoskeletal disorders affected 543,000 workers, a 15% increase from 2022/23.
Non-fatal injuries also saw an increase, with 604,000 workers self-reporting injuries in 2023/24, up from 561,000 in 2022/23. Employers reported 61,663 injuries under RIDDOR. In total, 4.1 million working days were lost due to workplace non-fatal injuries. The industries with the highest proportion of non-fatal injuries included accommodation/food service activities, wholesale trade, construction, and transportation and storage.
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 33 work-related fatalities in 2024, a notable decrease from 43 in 2023. This represents the lowest fatality rate per 100,000 workers (1.2) since the HSA's establishment in 1989.
Despite this positive trend in fatalities, non-fatal workplace incidents reported to the HSA increased by 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 incidents among workers, while education saw the most non-worker injuries. Manual handling and slips, trips, and falls were identified as the most common triggers for non-fatal incidents.
Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see fire safety instructor training or explore food hygiene trainer qualifications for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.
The agricultural sector, despite a 40% decrease in fatalities from 20 in 2023 to 12 in 2024, continues to be the highest-risk industry, accounting for one-third of all fatalities. The construction sector also saw a significant 50% reduction in fatalities, dropping from 10 deaths in 2023 to five in 2024. However, for the first time, the Water Supply; Sewerage, Waste Management and Remediation Activities sector surpassed agriculture in the number of fatalities recorded, accounting for 17% of all fatal incidents.
The Economic and Human Cost
The financial and human costs of workplace injuries and ill-health are substantial. In Great Britain, the estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions for 2022-2023 was £21.6 billion. This figure encompasses financial costs such as loss of output and healthcare, as well as the monetary valuation of pain, grief, and suffering.
In Ireland, 688,000 days were lost due to work-related injuries in 2023, a 26% increase on the five-year average. Work-related illnesses led to an even higher loss, with 1,330,000 days lost, significantly above historical averages. The HSA highlights that behind every statistic is a person whose safety and well-being matter, and each fatality represents a profound loss to families and communities.
These statistics serve as a critical reminder for employers and employees alike about the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures in health and safety. The changing nature of work, driven by technology and evolving demographics, presents new challenges that require adaptive strategies and continuous improvement in safety practices. Employers are legally obliged to report injuries resulting in four or more days of absence, enabling authorities to monitor trends and target interventions effectively.
For comprehensive health and safety training solutions designed to mitigate risks and ensure compliance, consider Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.