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UK Workplace Fatalities 2024–2025: Key Trends and Sector Risks

Brian Lambert (CMIOSH-IMaPS) — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

UK Workplace Fatalities 2024–2025: Key Trends and Sector Risks

Insights from the latest HSE figures

Every day, millions of people across the UK head to work and return home safely. Sadly, for some, the day ends in tragedy. Despite strong regulation and safety standards, the world of work remains dangerous — and in some industries, fatal accidents are still a persistent risk.

The latest figures published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal the annual work-related fatality statistics for April 2024 to April 2025.

The Numbers at a Glance

Total deaths: 124 workers (down by 14 from the previous year)
Most affected sector: Construction (35 deaths)
Highest fatality rate per 100,000 workers: Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing

Chart Analysis

Construction recorded 35 deaths — the highest in absolute numbers — followed by Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing at 23 deaths. However, when we look at fatality rates, the picture changes dramatically.

Construction fatality rate: 0.39 deaths per 100,000 workers
Agriculture fatality rate: 6.3 deaths per 100,000 workers

This means a person working in farming or forestry is over 16 times more likely to die at work than someone in construction.

Other sectors with notable fatalities:

Transport and Storage: 15
Admin & Support: 13
Manufacturing: 11

What Causes These Deaths?

HSE data shows the leading causes of workplace fatalities remain consistent year after year:

Falls from height: 35
Struck by moving object: 18
Trapped by something collapsing: 17
Struck by moving vehicle: 14
Contact with moving machinery: 13

Falls from height continue to account for the largest proportion of workplace fatalities.

Why Farming and Construction Are So High Risk

The construction industry operates under strict legal frameworks like the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which set clear duties for clients, designers, and contractors. These controls have saved countless lives — but non-compliance, cost-cutting, and poor planning still lead to preventable tragedies.

Farming, forestry, and fishing face different challenges:

Reliance on unpredictable natural factors
Tight profit margins leading to shortcuts
Older machinery and fewer safety systems

The Takeaway

While overall fatality numbers remain low compared to the size of the UK workforce, every death is a reminder that health and safety cannot be taken for granted.

Employers in all sectors must:

Plan and risk assess all activities
Provide competent supervision and training
Invest in safe systems of work and equipment
Encourage a culture where no one ignores unsafe acts or conditions

Are Your Safety Systems Effective?

Whether you’re in construction, agriculture, or any high-risk sector, Compass HSC can help you identify gaps and reduce risks.

Book a Compliance Review

About Brian Lambert

Brian Lambert (CMIOSH-IMaPS), the founder of Compass Health & Safety Consultancy (HSC), is a Chartered Member of IOSH and an accomplished IMaPS professional. With decades of industry experience, Brian is dedicated to guiding businesses of all sizes through the complexities of health and safety management.

His approach is built on integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to raising the standard in health and safety. As a trusted advisor, Brian’s insights help organisations enhance compliance, reduce risk, and boost operational efficiency.

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The post UK Workplace Fatalities 2024–2025: Key Trends and Sector Risks first appeared on Compass HSC.

Understanding UK Health and Safety Regulations and Acts

Brian Lambert (CMIOSH-IMaPS) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Many businesses view health and safety laws as restrictive and complex, much like national speed limits—something people ignore until consequences arise. However, compliance is crucial, not just to avoid legal penalties but to protect workers and ensure business continuity.

The Role of Health and Safety Law

Health and safety legislation exists to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. It provides a structured framework to help businesses manage risks effectively. Understanding and applying these laws can enhance productivity, reduce liabilities, and create a safer working environment.

The Foundation: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

At the core of UK health and safety law is theHealth and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA). This legislation sets out employers’ and employees’ responsibilities for workplace safety. From this Act, several regulations have been developed to address specific risks and industries.

Key Regulations Under HSWA

The following regulations stem from the HSWA and apply across various workplace environments:

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations – Governs the use and handling of hazardous substances.
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (WHSW) – Covers workplace conditions, cleanliness, and facilities.
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations – Addresses risks associated with screen use.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulations – Ensures workers have appropriate protective gear.
First Aid Regulations – Specifies employer responsibilities for providing first aid in the workplace.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) – Ensures work equipment is suitable, maintained, and inspected regularly.
Control of Asbestos Regulations – Governs the management and removal of asbestos.
Noise at Work Regulations – Limits worker exposure to harmful noise levels.
Control of Vibration at Work Regulations – Addresses risks associated with hand-arm and whole-body vibration.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) – Ensures health and safety management in construction projects.
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) – Governs the use of lifting equipment.
Ionising Radiations Regulations – Controls exposure to ionising radiation in workplaces.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO) – Outlines fire safety duties for businesses.
Manual Handling Operations Regulations – Sets out requirements to reduce manual handling risks.
Electricity at Work Regulations – Ensures electrical safety in workplaces.
Confined Spaces Regulations – Governs work in confined or enclosed environments.
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) – Mandates reporting of workplace incidents.
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) – Governs the use of flammable substances.
Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations – Regulates the handling of hazardous substances to prevent major accidents.

Why Compliance Matters

Failure to comply with these laws can lead to severe penalties, legal action, and reputational damage. As demonstrated in the ‘In Court’ case studies, businesses that neglect safety regulations risk fines, operational disruptions, and, most importantly, harm to their workers.

How Compass HSC Can Help

Health and safety professionals, like those at Compass HSC, are here to make sense of these regulations and ensure your business stays compliant. Whether it’s conducting risk assessments, delivering training, or providing expert advice, we help you navigate the complexities of workplace safety laws.

📢Do you understand which regulations apply to your business? Contact Compass HSC today for expert guidance and compliance support.

The post Understanding UK Health and Safety Regulations and Acts first appeared on Compass HSC.

Safety in Agriculture: Navigating Safety in Farming with Compass HSC

Brian Lambert (CMIOSH-IMaPS) — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 14:06:37 +0000

Safety in Agriculture: Navigating Safety in Farming with Compass HSC

Introduction

At Compass Health & Safety Consultancy (HSC), we believe in securing a safer future for all industries, and the recent focus on livestock safety by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has captured our attention.

Livestock incidents have emerged as the leading cause of work-related deaths in British agriculture, emphasising the critical need for proactive measures. In this blog post, we delve into the issue, discuss how Compass HSC can assist, and underscore our commitment to simplifying Health and Safety.

Identifying the Problem

The statistics presented by the HSE are stark: seventy-seven fatalities in the last five years due to incidents involving livestock or moving vehicles.

Livestock-related injuries took the unfortunate lead in work-related deaths on British farms in 2022/23. Agriculture remains one of the most dangerous sectors, and this calls for urgent attention.

How Compass HSC Can Help

1. Expert Guidance on Livestock Safety: Compass HSC acknowledges the challenges faced by farmers and offers expert guidance on livestock safety. We understand the dynamics of working with animals and emphasise sensible measures to mitigate risks.

2. Tailored Solutions for Farm Operations: Our consultancy services provide tailored solutions for farm operations, focusing on safe equipment, animal handling, and overall farm management. We collaborate with farmers to implement effective measures that align with the HSE’s campaign objectives.

3. Educational Resources and Training: Compass HSC goes beyond traditional consultancy by providing educational resources and training sessions. We aim to empower farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to create a safer working environment.

Making Health & Safety Simple

Navigating the complexities of Health and Safety doesn’t have to be daunting. Compass HSC is committed to simplifying the process, ensuring that safety measures are not only effective but also practical for daily farm operations.

1. Clear Communication: We believe in clear and concise communication. Our experts convey information in a straightforward and accessible manner, ensuring that all farmers can understand and implement appropriate safety protocols.

2. Practical Solutions: Compass HSC advocates for practical solutions that are easy to integrate into daily routines. By focusing on simplicity, we aim to make Health and Safety an inherent part of farm management rather than an additional burden.

3. Ongoing Support: Our commitment extends beyond consultancy. Compass HSC provides ongoing support to farmers, assisting in the implementation of safety measures and adapting to evolving needs. We are your reliable partner in ensuring a safer farm environment.

Conclusion:

We agree with the HSE’s mission to enhance safety in agriculture, particularly regarding livestock incidents. By identifying the problem, offering expert guidance, and making Health and Safety simple, we envision a future where farms are not only productive but also offer a safespace for everyone involved. Together, let’s cultivate a culture of safety and secure a brighter future for British agriculture.

For more details on our services and how we can support your farm, contact us today.

(Note: This blog post is an expansion of the original article provided by HSE on 19th February 2024. – “Livestock focus as national campaign bids to improve safety on Britain’s farms“

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Farm Safety – Revolutionising Farm Safety: HSE’s Call to Action

Brian Lambert (CMIOSH-IMaPS) — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Revolutionising Farm Safety: HSE’s Call to Action

Farmers, it’s time for a shift in mindset when it comes to safety. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), our workplace regulator, is gearing up for a series of inspections over the coming months, and it’s a call for change in the farming industry.

A Sobering Reality

The statistics speak for themselves – individuals working in the agricultural sector are 21 times more likely to experience workplace accidents leading to fatalities compared to other industries. Over the last five years, there have been 161 fatalities on British farms, averaging to 26 people each year, including members of the public and children.

A Dual Purpose Campaign

The inspections will extend across England, Scotland, and Wales, with a dual purpose of transforming the industry’s culture and ensuring compliance with long-standing legal requirements. HSE has ambitious plans to conduct 440 visits during this campaign, and their mission goes beyond a mere checklist.

Areas of Focus

Starting this week and continuing through next April, the inspections will home in on the primary causes of fatalities in farming, including working with cattle, the operation and maintenance of vehicles, and falls from heights. Moreover, there will be a focus on assessing risks to the public, which often involves the management of cattle near public rights of way and ensuring child safety on the farm.

Change Starts with Awareness

One of the HSE inspectors helping organise and support the visits, Kathy Gostick, emphasised the importance of this campaign. “We will not only be checking farmers’ knowledge of risk but also making sure they understand their responsibility to themselves and others. We will look at actions they have taken to control these risks and comply with the law.”

A Call for a Paradigm Shift

Although the number of deaths in the agricultural sector has fallen by around half since the early 1980s, the rate of fatalities, based on the number of people at work in the sector, remains stubbornly high.

This figure is much higher than comparable industries. In a bid to reduce that number, Kathy Gostick has called for farmers to stop and think differently about their own and other people’s safety.

Holding Employers Accountable

“We are committed to making workplaces safer and healthier, and that includes agriculture – we will do this by highlighting the risks, providing advice and guidance, and by holding employers to account for their actions.

This means changing attitudes towards safety – it is the only way we will reduce the numbers of people being injured or killed.”

“These upcoming inspections will help drive home the message that the only way we can bring down the numbers being injured or killed is if we change behaviour.”

Kathy Gostick – HM Inspector of Health and Safety

A Collaborative Effort

Alongside inspections, HSE regularly provides advice on safe practices to key industry stakeholders, including at agricultural shows. The regulator is a key member of the Farm Safety Partnership.

Taking Practical Steps for Safety

Farmers can take several simple actions to reduce key risks:

When using and maintaining vehicles, consider ‘Safe Farm, Safe Driver, Safe Vehicle’ and follow ‘Safe Stop’ and use adequate props during maintenance.
When handling cattle, ensure good handling facilities are in place and used and consider protection of members of the public when cattle are kept in fields with public access.
When considering working at height, avoid doing the work yourself – use a professional contractor instead. Never be tempted to use the wrong equipment.
When considering children on farms, try to avoid them being there in the first place, and if not, full and complete supervision is required.

Earlier this year, HSE launched ‘Your Farm – Your Future,’ a campaign focused on the number one cause of fatalities in agriculture – moving vehicles. The campaign website brings together lots of great advice on controlling the key risks.

We Can Help:

Farmers, your safety is our priority, and we’re here to help you thrive in a safer environment. The recent campaign by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has shed light on the need for change in the farming industry.

We understand the unique challenges you face, and we’re committed to assisting you on this journey to a safer future in farming. Our expertise and guidance will empower you to not only meet the requirements of this campaign but also transform the way you approach safety in your operations.

Count on us for valuable insights and unwavering support as we work alongside you in your journey towards a safer farming future.

(Note: This blog post is an expansion of the original article provided by HSE on October 25, 2023. – HSE to visit farms as part of national inspection campaign | HSE Media Centre)

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