{"id":88732,"date":"2026-07-23T08:30:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T08:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/88732\/"},"modified":"2026-07-23T08:30:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T08:30:09","slug":"work-related-deaths-fall-to-record-low-as-britain-retains-status-among-worlds-safest-places-to-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/88732\/","title":{"rendered":"Work-related deaths fall to record low as Britain retains status among world\u2019s safest places to work"},"content":{"rendered":"

The number of people who were killed in work-related incidents across Great Britain fell to 126 in 2025\/26, according to new figures published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).<\/p>\n

This is the lowest annual total on record, outside the years affected by the Covid pandemic.<\/p>\n

For the first time, as part of their research the HSE<\/a> compared Britain\u2019s workplace fatality rate with that of 35 countries around the globe.<\/p>\n

The results show that the UK\u2019s strong workplace safety standards remain exemplary.<\/p>\n

The statistics also reflect how far workplace safety has come over the past few decades. <\/p>\n

Twenty years ago, 217 workers died in work-related accidents. In 1981, the figure was more than double today\u2019s total, at 495 deaths.<\/p>\n

\"chart<\/p>\n

Despite the improvements, some industries continue to carry significantly higher risks than others.<\/p>\n

Construction<\/a> recorded the highest number of workplace fatalities in 2025\/26, with 25 deaths, and agriculture, forestry and fishing followed closely behind, accounting for 22 deaths.<\/p>\n

If we look at the rate of fatalities rather than the total number, agriculture, forestry and fishing remains the most dangerous sector in Britain. <\/p>\n

The industry recorded 8.09 deaths per 100,000 workers, placing it far above the national average. <\/p>\n

Waste and recycling was the second highest-risk sector, with 5.47 fatalities per 100,000 workers.<\/p>\n

To put those figures into perspective, the average fatal injury rate across all industries was just 0.37 per 100,000 workers.<\/p>\n

Falls from height continued to be the leading cause of fatal workplace accidents, with a total of 31 workers losing their lives in such incidents during the year, making up almost a quarter of all workplace deaths.<\/p>\n

The data also reveals a notable trend relating to age, with workers aged 60 and over accounting for 40 of the recorded fatalities, representing roughly one-third of all workplace deaths, which becomes particularly significant if we consider that this age group makes up only around 12% of the national workforce.<\/p>\n

Commenting on the figures, HSE chief executive Sarah Albon emphasised that every fatality represents a personal tragedy.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery one of these numbers represents a loved one lost, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of the work we do,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She added Britain could take pride in remaining one of the safest places in the world to work and commented that the new international analysis provides a broader comparison with other advanced economies than has previously been possible.<\/p>\n

It is important to note that the figures relate only to deaths caused by workplace accidents. They do not include fatalities linked to occupational illnesses or long-term exposure to harmful substances like asbestos. <\/p>\n

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