Contrasting Trends in UK and Irish Workplace Safety
Recent statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in Great Britain and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in Ireland paint a mixed picture of workplace safety across the UK and Ireland for the 2023/24 period. While Great Britain saw a slight increase in work-related fatalities, Ireland recorded its lowest fatality rate since the HSA's establishment. Both nations, however, continue to grapple with significant numbers of non-fatal injuries and work-related ill-health cases, highlighting persistent challenges in maintaining robust health and safety standards.
Great Britain: Fatalities Edge Up, Ill-Health Persists
In Great Britain, 138 workers tragically 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%). The construction sector alone accounted for 51 fatalities in 2023/24.
Beyond the tragic fatalities, work-related ill-health continues to be a significant concern. An estimated 1.7 million workers suffered from work-related ill-health in 2023/24. 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 a substantial impact, with 604,000 workers self-reporting injuries in 2023/24, and employers reporting 61,663 injuries under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013). In total, 4.1 million working days were lost due to workplace non-fatal injuries.
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 notable decrease from 43 in 2023. This represents the lowest fatality rate per 100,000 workers (1.3) 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.
Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see lone worker safety training or explore health and safety trainer qualifications for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.
The agricultural, forestry, and fishing sector continued to be the most hazardous in Ireland, accounting for 11 of the 36 fatal incidents in 2024. The construction sector followed with five fatalities. Manual handling was the most common cause of non-fatal incidents in 2024. The economic impact of these incidents is substantial, with 688,000 days 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.
The Economic and Human Cost
The financial burden of workplace injuries and ill-health remains substantial across both regions. In Great Britain, the estimated annual cost of workplace injury and new cases of work-related ill health in 2022/23 reached £21.6 billion. This figure encompasses loss of output, healthcare costs, and other payments. The human cost, which monetarily values pain, grief, suffering, and loss of life, further amplifies the overall impact. In Ireland, lost working time due to injuries and illnesses continues to place significant pressure on both workers and businesses. 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.
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