HSE publishes latest annual work-related fatality statistics

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its annual statistics on work-related fatalities in Great Britain for 2025/26. While Great Britain continues to have one of the lowest rates of workplace fatalities internationally, the latest figures serve as a reminder of the significant consequences of serious workplace incidents.

Familiar risks continue to drive workplace fatalities

The statistics show that 126 workers were killed in work-related incidents during 2025/26, a slight decrease from 128 in 2024/25. A further 104 members of the public lost their lives as a result of work-related incidents, up from 92 in 2024/25. Although the overall numbers have remained fairly consistent, many of the underlying causes of fatal incidents continue to reflect familiar workplace risks.

As in previous years, a relatively small number of well-established workplace hazards were responsible for a significant proportion of fatalities. Falls from height remained the leading cause of fatal workplace injury, accounting for 31 worker deaths during 2025/26. Although this represents a reduction from the 35 fatalities recorded in 2024/25, falls from height still accounted for around a quarter of all worker deaths. Other common causes included workers being struck by moving vehicles, struck by moving objects and coming into contact with moving machinery.

Construction and agriculture, forestry and fishing continued to account for a significant proportion of workplace fatalities. Construction recorded 25 worker deaths in 2025/26, while agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded 22. Although construction saw a reduction from the 35 fatalities reported in the previous year, agriculture, forestry and fishing remained the sector with the highest rate of fatal injury per 100,000 workers, followed by the waste and recycling sector.

The statistics highlight a recurring theme in workplace safety. Many of the fatal incidents recorded each year arise from hazards that are already well understood by employers and workers alike. In many cases, the challenge is not identifying the risk but ensuring that appropriate control measures are implemented effectively, followed consistently and reviewed regularly as working practices and operational demands change.

What should employers take from the figures?

This year's figures serve as a reminder that, despite continued improvements in long-term fatality rates and Great Britain's strong international performance, employers cannot afford to become complacent about familiar workplace risks and should consider whether existing health and safety systems, processes and controls remain effective, proportionate and embedded in day-to-day operations.

If you would like to discuss what the latest HSE statistics may mean for your organisation or require support reviewing your health and safety systems and controls, please get in touch with a member of Brodies' Health & Safety team.