HSE annual work-related fatalities: Statistics 2025/26

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published its latest annual workplace fatality statistics on 1 July 2026, reporting that 126 workers were killed in work-related incidents in Great Britain during 2025/26.

This demonstrates a long-term downward trend in workplace fatalities to workers in the UK, when compared to 217 fatalities in 2005/2006 and 495 in 1981.

Key findings from the most recent statistics include:

• Construction recorded the highest number of worker fatalities (25 deaths), followed closely by agriculture, forestry and fishing (22 deaths).
• Agriculture, forestry and fishing remained the sector with the highest fatal injury rate at 8.09 per 100,000 workers, followed by waste and recycling at 5.47 per 100,000 workers, compared with an all-industry average of 0.37 per 100,000 workers.
• Falls from height continued to be the leading cause of fatal injuries, accounting for 31 deaths (approximately one-quarter of all worker fatalities).
• Workers aged 60 and over accounted for 40 fatalities (around one-third of all worker deaths) despite representing only 12% of the workforce.
• In addition to worker fatalities, 104 members of the public were killed in work-related incidents during the reporting period. This represents an increase.
• There were 2,146 reported mesothelioma deaths in 2024, a decrease of 109 from 2023 and below the average annual figure for 2011-2020.

The statistics demonstrate continued progress in reducing worker fatalities across Great Britain and support the HSE’s position that Great Britain maintains a robust health and safety record internationally.

A more nuanced interpretation is that fatal risks are increasingly concentrated in three distinct groups: older workers, members of the public and traditionally high-risk industries.

With an ageing workforce, it would be advisable for employers to consider whether existing risk assessments adequately account for age-related factors and whether additional controls or support measures are required.

With 45% of all work-place deaths occurring to non-workers, employers would also be advised to consider the risks that their broader operations pose to members of the public and other contractors.

The continued prevalence of falls from height is particularly striking. With the HSE statistics identifying falls from height as the leading cause of workplace fatalities, and Scotland’s first joint Fatal Accident Inquiry considering five fatal falls within the agricultural sector taking place this year, the issue is receiving significant regulatory and judicial scrutiny. Taken together, these developments reinforce the need for employers to review how work-at-height risks are managed in practice.

Finally, while fatal accident numbers continue to fall, the mesothelioma statistics serve as a reminder that the legacy of historical asbestos exposure remains significant. The continuing death rate underscores the importance of rigorous asbestos management and compliance with current obligations for duty holders.

Vikki Watt, Partner: vwa@bto.co.uk / 0141 673 2412

Natalie Boal, Trainee Solicitor: nbo@bto.co.uk / 0141 221 8012