Story Highlight
– Construction industry fatal injuries unchanged since 2015.
– Agriculture, Manufacturing show significant safety improvements.
– Traditional construction hazards remain major fatality causes.
– Scotland has highest fatalities per population, rising sharply.
– Regional disparities in workplace safety outcomes observed.
Full Story
Research conducted by Astutis has provided valuable insights into the changes in workplace health and safety across various sectors in the UK over the last decade. By analysing ten years of data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the study has identified which industries are progressing in safety measures and which are lagging behind.
The construction industry continues to be marked as the most hazardous sector. Alarmingly, data reveals that there has been no improvement in the number of fatalities in this sector from 2015 to 2025, with a consistent record of 35 deaths each year. Despite ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, the persistent fatality figures raise concerns about the effectiveness of existing measures.
In contrast, other sectors have demonstrated notable progress. The agriculture, forestry and fishing industries have seen a reduction in workplace fatalities from 32 in 2015 to 23 in 2025. Similarly, the manufacturing sector has lowered its fatality count from 18 to 11 over the same period. The water supply industry has also made strides, reducing fatalities from five to four.
Brenig Moore, Technical Director and an HSE expert at Astutis, provided insight into the findings, particularly focusing on the stagnant safety situation in the construction sector. He remarked, “The construction industry has always come with a massive risk, but what we’re seeing ten years on is a huge shift in where those particular risks sit, and also how they manifest on site.” He elaborated that traditional dangers, such as the hazards associated with moving vehicles, working at heights, and structural instabilities remain the primary causes of fatalities on construction sites.
However, Moore noted that the evolving nature of construction work is introducing new complexities, leading to an increase in serious risks. Modern construction sites often incorporate advanced technologies while facing tighter deadlines and stricter performance expectations. This pressure can lead to exhaustion among workers, potentially resulting in mistakes that compromise safety. Despite a marginal decrease in fatalities over the last five years, Moore emphasised that the goal should be to achieve broader health and safety awareness within the sector to further reduce these figures, a target that has regrettably not been met over the last decade.
Regional analysis within the study paints a varied picture of workplace safety across the UK. England registered the highest total of workplace fatalities, with 88 reported in 2024/25. However, when fatality rates are adjusted according to population, Scotland emerges as the most perilous region for workers, with a staggering 4.69 fatalities per million people. Notably, Scotland has experienced a dramatic 136% increase in workplace fatalities since the 2019/20 financial year. During the same timeframe, the North West of England recorded a significant 50% rise in fatalities.
Conversely, certain regions have seen substantial improvements in safety outcomes. Yorkshire and the Humber, along with the West Midlands, have achieved impressive reductions in workplace fatalities, with declines of 60% and 54% respectively over the past decade. Such regional disparities highlight the importance of targeted efforts in improving workplace safety.
The findings of this research underscore the necessity for continual assessment and improvement of health and safety practices across various sectors, particularly in construction, where the challenges are particularly pronounced. Experts suggest that a multi-faceted approach to safety, incorporating training, mental health support, and the integration of technology, is essential for fostering a safer working environment.
Astutis’s in-depth report is designed to inform industry professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders about the ongoing safety challenges and progress in the UK’s occupational landscape. For those interested in further details and the comprehensive findings of the study, the full research piece can be accessed [here](https://www.astutis.com/astutis-hub/blog/work-fatalities-10-year-comparison).
The need for vigilance and proactive measures in ensuring workplace safety has never been more critical, as the data reveals both encouraging trends in certain sectors and alarming stagnation in others. This indicates a strong call to action to reform health and safety standards, especially in those areas where fatalities remain stubbornly high.
Our Thoughts
The stagnation in fatality rates within the construction industry highlights a critical need for enhanced risk management and safety culture. Key lessons include the necessity of revising risk assessments to account for emerging complexities on sites due to advanced technologies and strict deadlines.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 mandates that employers ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees by conducting adequate risk assessments. Additionally, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires employers to implement appropriate measures to mitigate identified risks.
To prevent similar incidents, ongoing training and awareness programs should be prioritized to address factors such as fatigue, burnout, and the impact of working conditions on performance. Enhancing communication regarding safety protocols and promoting a culture of safety among workers may also improve adherence to safe practices.
Furthermore, setting realistic deadlines and work objectives could help reduce the risk of accidents caused by overexertion and stress. Regular reviews of incident data, coupled with responsive safety culture initiatives, could facilitate significant improvements in safety outcomes across the construction sector.
