HSE Executive UK published 2025 Annual Accidents Report

Report Summary 2025 Annual Accidents

Key Findings

Worker Fatalities:
124 workers died in work-related incidents in 2024/25, down from 138 the year before. This continues a long-term downward trend from 223 fatalities in 2004/05 and 495 in 1981 (British Safety Council, Zonesafe, HSE Media Centre).
Industries Most Affected:
- Construction led in total fatalities with 35 deaths, though this is a reduction from 51 the prior year.
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing had the highest fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers, followed by waste and recycling (British Safety Council, HSE Media Centre).
Leading Cause of Death:
Falls from height remained the most common cause of fatal injury, responsible for 35 deaths (~28% of the total) (British Safety Council, HSE Media Centre).
Public Fatalities:
An additional 92 members of the public were killed in work-related incidents—an increase from 86 the previous year (HSE Media Centre).
Asbestos-Related Illness:
In 2023, 2,218 deaths occurred due to mesothelioma from past asbestos exposure, a decline of 62 from the previous year and below the 2011–2020 average (2,508 per year) (HSE Media Centre).

What It Means: Insights & Context

Sustained Progress
The consistent reduction in workplace fatalities highlights the effectiveness of safety regulations, improved enforcement, and growing industry awareness over decades.
Persistent High-Risk Sectors
The construction and agricultural sectors remain areas of concern—targeted interventions, such as fall prevention training and equipment standards, are essential.
Vulnerable Groups
Worker safety among the self-employed and older age groups needs special focus, as fatalities remain disproportionately high in these demographics (British Safety Council).
Ongoing Public Risk
Fatalities among non-workers point to broader hazards in workplaces affecting visitors, customers, and the public—emphasizing gaps in overall safety culture and enforcement.
Asbestos Legacy Continues
Despite long-term declines, mesothelioma deaths persist due to historical asbestos exposure—underscoring the importance of continued disease surveillance and preventative measures.

Bottom Line

Fatal Workplace Injuries (2024/25): 124
Leading Cause: Falls from height
Top Fatality Sectors: Construction (total) | Agriculture, forestry & fishing (rate)
Public Fatalities: 92
Mesothelioma Deaths (2023): 2,218

While the decline in fatalities is heartening, each death remains a tragedy. The data reinforces the need for:

Investment in fall-prevention and high-risk sector interventions.
Continued focus on occupational disease prevention and legacy hazards like asbestos.
Broader safety strategies that include protections for the public and self-employed.

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