The latest HSE fatal injury statistics report reveals that while the long-term trend in fatal injuries to workers has shown a downward trend, the recent numbers have remained stubbornly consistent with pre-pandemic levels. This suggests a plateau in safety improvements that should be a cause for concern for employers and employees alike.
The data highlights that certain sectors bear a disproportionate burden of risk. The construction, agriculture, forestry and fishing, and manufacturing industries collectively accounted for approximately two-thirds of all worker fatalities in 2023/24. The construction sector alone saw 51 fatalities, while the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector, despite its smaller workforce, has a fatal injury rate that is a staggering 21 times higher than the all-industry average.
The most common causes of these tragic incidents remain depressingly familiar. Falls from height continue to be the leading cause of death, accounting for 50 fatalities. This is followed by being struck by a moving vehicle (25 deaths) and being struck by a moving object (20 deaths). Together, these top three causes were responsible for over half of all fatal injury statistics.
