The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its latest annual statistics on work-related fatalities, revealing that 126 workers were killed in work-related incidents across Great Britain during 2025/26, the lowest number of worker fatalities recorded in a single year. We explore what these figures mean and issue a warning about the persisting concern for employers and duty holders.
The HSE’s recently published statistics reinforce Great Britain’s position as one of the safest places in the world to work. However, the statistics show continuing trends with construction and falls from height remaining as the industry with the highest number of deaths and the most common cause of deaths respectively.
Continued progress in workplace safety
The latest figures demonstrate the significant progress that has been made in reducing workplace fatalities over recent decades. The regulator also reports that Great Britain continues to be one of the safest places in the world to work, supported by new comparative analysis of fatal injury rates across a range of countries.
These figures reflect the combined effect of improved regulation, advances in workplace practices, greater awareness of health and safety responsibilities, and increased investment in risk management. However, while the overall trend is undoubtedly positive, the statistics also serve as a reminder that fatal incidents continue to occur in circumstances where the relevant risks are often well known and entirely foreseeable.
The construction industry continues to record the highest number of fatalities
Construction recorded 25 worker fatalities during 2025/26, making it the sector with the highest number of deaths. Although construction remains a vital component of the UK’s economy, it continues to involve some of the most hazardous working environments and activities.
Given the sector’s position in the annual statistics and the naturally occurring risks, construction will remain a key area of focus for HSE inspection and enforcement activity. Employers and principal contractors should take the opportunity to review existing control measures and ensure that high-risk activities are being properly planned, supervised and monitored.
Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal injuries
The most common cause of worker fatalities in 2025/26 was falls from height, which accounted for 31 deaths, representing approximately one quarter of all worker fatalities recorded during the year.
The prominence of falls from height within the statistics is particularly striking given the extensive legal framework and guidance that exists to address these risks. Employers have long been required to avoid work at height where possible, use suitable work equipment, and implement measures to prevent falls and mitigate the consequences should a fall occur.
The continued frequency of fatal falls suggests that the challenge is not the absence of regulation or guidance but rather ensuring that established controls are consistently implemented. Common failings identified in enforcement action following serious incidents frequently include inadequate planning, unsuitable access equipment, insufficient edge protection, poor supervision and failures in training or competency management.
For organisations involved in work at height activities, these statistics provide a timely reminder of the potentially catastrophic consequences of getting these basic controls wrong.