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).
This is the lowest annual total on record, outside the years affected by the Covid pandemic.
For the first time, as part of their research the HSE compared Britain’s workplace fatality rate with that of 35 countries around the globe.
The results show that the UK’s strong workplace safety standards remain exemplary.
The statistics also reflect how far workplace safety has come over the past few decades.
Twenty years ago, 217 workers died in work-related accidents. In 1981, the figure was more than double today’s total, at 495 deaths.
Despite the improvements, some industries continue to carry significantly higher risks than others.
Construction 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.
If we look at the rate of fatalities rather than the total number, agriculture, forestry and fishing remains the most dangerous sector in Britain.
The industry recorded 8.09 deaths per 100,000 workers, placing it far above the national average.
Waste and recycling was the second highest-risk sector, with 5.47 fatalities per 100,000 workers.
To put those figures into perspective, the average fatal injury rate across all industries was just 0.37 per 100,000 workers.
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.
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.
Commenting on the figures, HSE chief executive Sarah Albon emphasised that every fatality represents a personal tragedy.
“Every one of these numbers represents a loved one lost, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of the work we do,” she said.
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.
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.
Featured image credit: Wikimedia Commons
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