Annual Work-Related Fatalities Report Published by HSE

Introduction

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its latest statistics on work-related fatalities in Great Britain for 2025/26. These figures are significant for transport operators, drivers, and compliance professionals as they highlight ongoing risks in the workplace and demonstrate Great Britain’s standing in global workplace safety. Understanding these trends supports efforts to maintain and improve safety standards across all sectors.

Work-Related Fatalities in Great Britain

In 2025/26, 126 workers were fatally injured in work-related incidents in Great Britain. This provisional figure represents the lowest number of worker deaths recorded in a single year, excluding the years affected by the coronavirus pandemic (2019/20 to 2021/22). For context, there were 217 fatalities twenty years ago (2005/06) and 495 in 1981.

The industries with the highest number of fatalities remain construction (25 deaths) and agriculture, forestry and fishing (22 deaths). Agriculture, forestry and fishing also has the highest fatal injury rate at 8. 09 deaths per 100,000 workers, followed by waste and recycling at 5. 47 per 100,000. The average fatal injury rate across all industries is 0. 37 per 100,000 workers.

Falls from height continue to be the most common cause of fatal injuries, accounting for 31 deaths, approximately one quarter of all fatalities in 2025/26. Workers aged 60 and over accounted for around a third of fatalities (40 deaths), despite representing only 12 per cent of the workforce.

Additionally, 104 members of the public who were not at work were killed as a consequence of work-related incidents during the same period.

International Comparisons of Workplace Safety

For the first time, the HSE has developed new analysis comparing fatal injury rates in Great Britain with those in 35 other countries worldwide, extending beyond Europe. This analysis, based on statistical models, supports Great Britain’s position as one of the safest places to work globally.

Notably, these comparisons are estimates and should not be used to rank countries or compare non-GB countries against each other, but only against Great Britain.

Mesothelioma Deaths and Occupational Disease

The HSE also reported on mesothelioma deaths, a cancer caused by past asbestos exposure. In 2024, there were 2,146 mesothelioma deaths in Great Britain, a decrease of 109 compared with 2023 and substantially lower than the ten-year average of 2,508 deaths per year from 2011 to 2020.

Many current mesothelioma cases reflect asbestos exposure that occurred before the 1980s. Annual deaths are expected to continue declining over the next decade. It is important to note that the work-related fatality figures do not include deaths from occupational diseases such as mesothelioma.

Practical Insight from Mi Compliance

These statistics underline the ongoing importance of rigorous health and safety compliance across all transport and related sectors. Operators and drivers should prioritise risk assessments, particularly regarding falls from height and work in high-risk industries such as agriculture and construction. Regular training and adherence to safety protocols remain essential to reducing fatalities and injuries.

For further guidance or support on compliance and training, transport professionals are encouraged to contact Mi Compliance.

Contact Mi Compliance

Source: https://press.hse.gov.uk/2026/07/01/latest-annual-work-related-fatalities-published-2/