Latest Health and Safety Executive figures reveal 123 deaths at work in 2021

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released the latest figures for fatal work accidents in Britain. These reveal that 123 workers and 80 members of the public were tragically killed in work-related accidents between 2021 and 2022.

Construction workers face highest fatality rates

The HSE report breaks down the sectors in which deaths occurred, the causes of death, and the average age of those who lost their lives. It found that:

• The construction sector has the highest number of deaths with 30 workers killed. This was followed by 22 deaths each in the agriculture and manufacturing industries.
• The majority of deaths were caused by workers falling from a height, or being struck by vehicles or moving objects.
• Older workers have an above average risk of dying in a workplace accident. One quarter of workers who died in 2021 were over 60 years old, despite over-60s only making up around 11% of the workforce.

Workplace death numbers fail to decline

Although the latest figures make for saddening reading, Britain is one of the safest places in the world to work and there has been a dramatic drop in fatal injury numbers since records began in the 1980s. However, the decline has slowed significantly since 2010/11, and the HSE report demonstrates the need to strictly observe and enforce health and safety rules in the workplace is as strong as ever.

Anna Cole is a specialist personal injury solicitor from our Swindon team. She has over 25 years’ experience of representing people who have been involved in accidents at work, and says:

“We cannot forget that behind the HSE’s statistics there are hundreds of grieving families who have lost loved ones because of health and safety failures.

“No worker should go out to work and not come home again because of a work accident, and nor should any member of the public. It’s also especially sad to see the risks facing older workers, who should be better protected in the later years of their working lives.

“It must also be noted that this report only covers deaths in the workplace. We must remain vigilant about the large number of non-fatal injuries and accidents in the workplace and diseases contracted at work, including asbestos diseases.

“At Novum Law, we see first-hand the devastating impact work accidents can have on workers and their families. We would like to underline how important it is for those who have been involved in an accident at work to get in touch with a specialist personal injury lawyer as soon as they can so they can access the care and support they need.”

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident at work, you may be able to claim compensation. Novum Law’s team of specialist personal injury solicitors have the expertise to help you on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. For a free, no obligation chat, call us on 0800 884 0777, email us at info@novumlaw.com or complete our online enquiry form.