Work-related fatal injuries 2024-25 data from the Health and Safety Executive has just been released. It paints a mixed picture for workplace safety in Great Britain. The number of workers killed in accidents has fallen from 138 in the previous year to 124. While that drop is good news, each number still represents a life lost and a tragedy for colleagues, families, and communities.
The HSE data offers an important opportunity for businesses to reflect. It’s not just about learning from accidents in your own sector. The causes and patterns highlighted in the report are relevant to every employer, from construction firms to office-based operations. You can read the full HSE breakdown here.
The industries most affected
Some industries carry greater inherent risks, and the statistics reflect that reality. Construction recorded 35 fatal injuries in 2024-25, making it the sector with the highest death toll. Agriculture, forestry and fishing followed with 23 fatalities, while transport and storage reported 15. Other sectors, including manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and waste management, also saw fatal incidents.
These numbers highlight that risk is not confined to traditionally “dangerous” work. Fatalities occur in a range of environments, often in ways that could have been prevented with stronger controls. Even lower-risk sectors face hazards if safety management is neglected.
Leading causes of workplace fatalities
The data reveals that some accident types consistently cause the most harm. In 2024-25, falls from height topped the list with 35 fatalities. Being struck by a moving object accounted for 18 deaths. Collapsing or overturning incidents caused 17 fatalities, while being struck by a moving vehicle caused 14. Contact with moving machinery led to 13 deaths.
These incidents are not isolated or unpredictable. They are often linked to familiar workplace risks – incomplete risk assessments, poor supervision, inadequate training, or a lack of protective equipment. The lesson is clear: targeted action on these recurring hazards can save lives.
Understanding who is most at risk
The HSE statistics show that 95% of worker fatalities were male. Age also plays a big role. Workers aged 60 and above accounted for around 40% of deaths, despite making up only 12% of the workforce. Self-employed workers are another high-risk group. They made up 40% of fatalities while representing just 15% of the working population.
These figures should make every business ask questions. Are your older employees getting additional safety support? Contractors and freelancers integrated into your safety culture? Are self-employed people working for you given the same level of induction and oversight as employees?
The impact beyond workers
Work-related incidents don’t only harm employees. In 2024-25, 92 members of the public died in incidents connected to work activities. These were often linked to transport, railways, or health and social care. For any organisation that interacts with the public, this is a reminder that your responsibilities extend far beyond your own staff.
The long-term picture
Looking back over decades, the rate of workplace fatalities in Britain has fallen sharply since the 1980s. This is thanks to stronger regulation, improved training, and advances in technology. However, the last ten years have seen a flattening in progress. The average number of worker deaths in recent years has been around 142. The 124 deaths in 2024-25 are in line with that pattern.
The fact that improvement has slowed means we cannot be complacent. Safety is not a box-ticking exercise. It is a continuous process that demands attention, investment, and leadership.
How businesses can respond
The HSE statistics are not just for policymakers. They should be a tool for every business to strengthen safety culture. Here are two key actions you can take right now:
- Review your risk assessments. Look for the hazards that appear most often in fatal accident data – falls, moving objects, vehicles, machinery – and check if your controls are strong enough.
- Prioritise high-risk groups. Older workers, the self-employed, and new starters may need targeted measures to keep them safe.
These steps should not be one-off responses. Regular review and improvement will keep your workplace aligned with best practice and legal compliance.
Why partner with Radcat?
At Radcat, we don’t just help you meet health and safety requirements. We work alongside you to embed safety into daily operations, making it part of your culture. Our services cover compliance audits, on-site inspections, tailored training, and clear guidance to close any safety gaps we find.
We also specialise in helping businesses interpret complex data – like the HSE statistics – and turn it into practical action. By understanding exactly where the risks lie in your sector, we help you prevent incidents before they happen.
Learning from the statistics
The headline drop in fatalities from 138 to 124 shows progress is possible. But behind each number is a preventable incident. Reviewing your own safety performance against national trends can be an eye-opening exercise. For example, if your business uses vehicles, the statistic of 14 deaths from moving vehicles should prompt a review of driver training and site traffic management.
If your team works at height, the 35 fatalities linked to falls should trigger a deep dive into your working-at-height procedures, equipment checks, and supervision standards. It’s about learning from the experiences of others before the same mistakes happen on your site.
A safer future starts now
Every workplace fatality is a tragedy. The most effective way to honour those lost is to take action to prevent more. That means not waiting until an accident happens to make changes. The safest companies are those that act early, monitor regularly, and involve everyone in safety.
If your workplace hasn’t had a recent audit, now is the time. A professional review can uncover hidden risks, ensure compliance, and give you a clear plan for improvement. Our health and safety audit service is designed to identify and address gaps before they lead to harm.
Radcat’s approach combines industry knowledge with practical solutions. We make it easy for you to meet legal requirements while creating a culture where everyone takes responsibility for safety. Together, we can work towards a future where the HSE’s fatal injury statistics move closer to zero – and stay there.
