The recent increases in workplace deaths indicate a concerning trend. In Great Britain, work-related fatalities have risen for the second consecutive year. According to provisional data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for 2023/24, 138 workers were killed in work-related accidents, which is an increase of two compared to the previous year. The construction sector saw the highest number of fatalities, with 51 workers losing their lives – an increase of four compared to the previous year. Falls from height remained the most common fatal accident, accounting for 36% of all worker deaths during that period. This trend underscores the importance of prioritising worker health and safety to prevent further fatalities.
While some of these figures are perhaps unsurprising – falls from height remaining the most common accident, which could be down to complacency, fatigue and demand to meet deadlines. And construction still produces the highest number of fatalities – there are several factors contributing to this, such as inherent risks, frequent use of contractors and lack of training. What is concerning is that, despite greater awareness of health and safety across the nation, these numbers continue to grow.
Several factors could contribute to this trend:
Changing work environment:
The nature of work has evolved, with new technologies and processes introduced. These changes may introduce new risks or require updated safety protocols.
Complacency and human error:
Even with training, workers can become complacent or make mistakes. Vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines are essential.
Economic pressures:
Economic downturns or competitive pressures may lead to cost-cutting measures. Safety investments might be deprioritised during tough times.
Workforce demographics:
Aging workers may face increased health risks. Newer, less experienced workers may lack awareness of hazards.
Psychosocial factors:
Stress, burnout, and mental health issues affect safety performance. Addressing wellbeing is crucial.
Reporting and data accuracy:
Improved reporting mechanisms may lead to better data collection. This could reveal previously unreported incidents.
To reverse this trend, a holistic approach involving employers, regulators, and workers is necessary.
Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH says:
“Businesses need to step up and ensure they have robust occupational health and safety management systems and control strategies in place to prevent accidents at work and reduce the chance of them happening.
“Providing a safe and healthy working environment isn’t just an add-on for a business. It is now a fundamental principle and right at work, as recognised by the International Labour Organization. So, we need to see a joined-up approach to tackle harm at work to prevent more lives being needlessly lost.”
There have also been calls for the new government to seek to protect and enhance health and safety standards, particularly across high-risk industries like construction. Suggestions for actions government should take include:
Strengthen regulations and enforcement:
Review and update existing health and safety regulations to ensure they are comprehensive and effective. Allocate resources to enforce compliance with safety standards through inspections, penalties, and audits.
Promote safety culture:
Encourage employers to prioritise safety by fostering a culture of prevention and risk reduction. Provide incentives for companies that invest in safety training, equipment, and risk assessments.
Industry-specific measures:
Target high-risk sectors (such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing) with tailored safety initiatives. Collaborate with industry associations to develop best practices and guidelines.
Worker empowerment:
Educate workers about their rights and responsibilities regarding safety. Encourage reporting of unsafe conditions and near misses.
Research and data collection:
Invest in research to identify emerging risks and effective prevention strategies. Collect accurate data on workplace accidents to inform policy decisions.
Support mental health:
Recognise the impact of stress, burnout, and mental health on safety. Promote wellbeing programmes and provide resources for mental health support.
Collaborate with stakeholders:
Involve trade unions, employers, and safety experts in policy development. Foster dialogue and cooperation to address challenges collectively.
Meanwhile, employers can take several proactive steps to respond to the latest workplace fatality statistics:
Risk assessment and mitigation:
Regularly assess workplace risks and hazards. Implement preventive measures, such as safety barriers, fall protection, and proper training.
Safety training and education:
Provide comprehensive safety training for all employees. Ensure workers understand safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Health and wellbeing programmes:
Address physical and mental health issues. Promote wellbeing through stress management and work-life balance.
Collaborate with employees:
Involve workers in safety discussions and decision-making. Encourage reporting of unsafe conditions and near misses.
Industry-specific initiatives:
Tailor safety measures to the specific risks of each industry. Learn from best practices in high-risk sectors.
Regulatory compliance:
Stay informed about health and safety regulations. Comply with legal requirements and industry standards.
What is clear, is that action needs to be taken to bring the numbers of workplace deaths down. A proactive approach to workplace safety benefits everyone – employers, employees, and their families.