HSE Publishes Annual Work-Related Fatality Statistics for 2025/26

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its annual work-related fatality statistics for 2025/26, showing that 126 workers lost their lives in work-related incidents in Great Britain during the year.

Other key findings include:

• Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries, accounting for 31 deaths.
• Workers aged 60 and over represented almost a third of all fatalities despite that age group accounting for just 12% of the workforce.
• Construction (25 fatalities) and Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing (22 fatalities) were the industries with the highest numbers of recorded deaths.

While the longer-term trend shows significant improvement, and Great Britain continues to be one of the safest places in the world to work, these figures serve as an important reminder that there is still work to be done and that health and safety must remain a priority for all organisations.

For employers, reports like these are more than just numbers – they are an opportunity to reflect, learn, and ensure that effective controls are in place to protect people and prevent harm.

At CQMS, we support businesses in taking a proactive approach to managing risk, strengthening safety culture, and creating safer working environments for their teams.

🔗 Read the full HSE work-related fatality statistics report.

🌐 Find out more about how we support businesses with health and safety.