Workplace Deaths UK: Construction fatalities halve to 25 in 2025/ 26
03.07.2026 - 08:09:29 | boerse-global.de
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its annual workplace fatality statistics for 2025/26, recording 126 worker deaths in Great Britain. The figure is among the lowest ever reported outside the pandemic-affected years, but the data reveals persistent safety gaps in agriculture, waste management and construction, alongside a growing concern over risks to older workers.
A further 104 members of the public lost their lives due to work-related activities during the same period.
Construction deaths halve in two years
The construction industry, historically the UK’s deadliest sector, recorded 25 worker fatalities in 2025/26 – a sharp drop from 35 the previous year and 51 in 2023/24. The fatal injury rate now stands at 1.23 per 100,000 workers, and the sector accounts for roughly 20% of all workplace deaths.
Despite the record low, the HSE warned that self-employed workers remain particularly vulnerable, accounting for nearly half of all construction-related deaths over the past five years.
The high number of fatalities among self-employed workers highlights how critical thorough risk assessments are — especially for those working alone or in small teams. Yet many businesses still lack a systematic, up-to-date approach to documenting workplace hazards. A free risk assessment toolkit provides 41 ready-to-use templates and checklists covering everything from fire safety to lone working, helping you stay compliant and protect your team. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
Agriculture and waste still carry highest risks
While construction saw the biggest numerical fall, other sectors continue to report fatal injury rates far above the national average. The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector recorded 22 deaths, with a rate of 8.09 per 100,000 workers – more than 20 times the all-industry average of 0.37.
The waste and recycling sector also remains a concern, with a fatality rate of 5.47 per 100,000 workers – over ten times the national average.
In response to ongoing risks in farming, the Farm Safety Foundation has scheduled Farm Safety Week from 20 to 24 July 2026 to promote safer working practices.
Falls from height remain the biggest killer
Falls from height were the most common cause of workplace death, accounting for 31 fatalities across all sectors. In construction alone, 12 workers died in such incidents.
The data also highlights a demographic challenge: workers aged 60 and over accounted for 40 of the total fatalities. This age group makes up around 12% of the workforce but a disproportionately high share of fatal incidents, suggesting that targeted safety interventions may be needed as the workforce ages.
UK ranks among safest nations globally
In international comparisons, the UK remains one of the safest places to work. The HSE reports that only the Netherlands has a lower fatal injury rate, with the UK outperforming 35 other countries.
On long-term occupational health, the report noted 2,146 deaths from mesothelioma in 2024 – a cancer linked to historical asbestos exposure. The figure continues a downward trend as the peak of past asbestos-related illness passes.
Enforcement and legal action
The release of the statistics coincided with several high-profile enforcement actions. The HSE recently authorised a Crown Censure against the Ministry of Defence and prosecuted Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Ltd following a fatal tank explosion at the Castlemartin Range on 14 June 2017, which killed two soldiers and injured two others.
With enforcement actions and fines on the rise, staying on top of your health and safety paperwork has never been more important. The Health & Safety Toolkit offers a complete set of risk assessments, checklists, and toolbox talks aligned with UK legislation including the Health & Safety at Work Act and COSHH. Over 37,000 UK businesses already rely on it. Get the free Health & Safety Toolkit
In the private sector, Lima Construction Ltd was fined £50,000 earlier this year after a worker fell through an unglazed window in London in 2022. An investigation found the company had failed to install protective boards until after the accident and had neglected required weekly scaffolding inspections.
Separate Freedom of Information data released in recent months showed that fire safety on construction sites improved by 37% during 2024/25 compared with the previous year, although non-fatal injuries from fires and explosions remained steady.
