Latest Workplace Fatality Statistics Released

The HSE have published figures for work-related fatalities in Great Britain for the period of 2022 to 2023.  During this period a total of 135 workers were killed in work related incidents.

While this represents an increase of 12 from the 123 recorded the year before, it is important to note that the coronavirus pandemic would have influenced this figure with significant amount of people either working from home or unable to work. The latest statistics are in line with general trends showing a decrease in fatalities since the 1980s.

The sectors with the highest fatality rates continue to be construction, agriculture, forestry, and fishing, manufacturing, wholesale retail, motor repair, accommodation, and food and transportation and storage. These sectors accounted for 82% of fatalities.

Over a 5 year period from 2018/19 to 2022/23 the construction sector had an annual average of 37 fatalities compared to 45 for the latest year.

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing had a five year average of 26 fatalities compared to 21 for the latest year.

Manufacturing average 19 fatalities latest year 15 fatalities.

When looking at fatalities in relation to the number of people employed in the sector agriculture, forestry and fishing came out with the highest rate at 7.87 per 100,000 workers followed by waste and recycling at 5.02 and construction at 2.10

Another statistic that is important to look at is the number of work-related deaths to members of the public. At 68 fatalities this is a significant drop from the 2021 to 2022 figure of 88 and is significantly below the numbers from before the pandemic which averaged above 100 deaths.

Responding to the statistics published the HSE’s Chief Executive, Sarah Albon, stated that ‘While these figures show Great Britain is one of the safest countries in the world to work, safety must continue to be at the top of everyone’s agenda.

If you have any questions or would like support with managing issues at your workplace, please speak to your usual contact or get in touch using the form below.