What is the Most Common Fatal Work Injury in the UK?

What is the Most Common Fatal Injury at Work in the UK?

Going to work should be safe; however, in 2023/24, 138 workers in the UK went to work and did not return home. This marks an increase from the previous year’s work-related fatal injury figures reported by HSE and serves as a reminder that good health and safety practices save lives and aren’t just a formality.

Work-related fatal injuries

Many workplace fatalities could be prevented with proper safety measures. Sadly, some employers cut corners, putting their employees lives and welfare at risk. When workplace safety processes fail or simply do not exist, and a fatal accident occurs, the families of those who died have the right to legal recourse.

Employers are legally responsible for ensuring a safe working environment, and when they neglect this duty, they must be held accountable. No one should lose their life simply for doing their job.

Of the 138 workers killed in work-related incidents in 2023/24, the following sectors reported the highest number of workplace fatalities:

1. Construction: 51 fatalities
2. Agriculture, forestry and fishing: 23 fatalities
3. Manufacturing: 16 fatalities

The most common causes of fatal injuries at work

According to HSE statistics from 2023/24, the most common fatal work injury in the UK continues to be falls from height, accounting for twice as many fatalities as the second most common cause.

1. Falls from height: 50 fatalities

2. Struck by moving vehicle: 25 fatalities

3. Struck by moving object: 20 fatalities

4. Trapped by something collapsing/overturning: 15 fatalities

5. Contact with moving machinery: 8 fatalities

Falls at work

According to the latest data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height accounted for 36% of all fatal workplace injuries. Within this data there are industries that consistently report high numbers of fatal falls:

• Construction: Examples of how a fall from height might occur, include:
  • Falls from equipment like cherry pickers, ladders and scaffolding
  • Falls from cranes
  • Falls from rooftops
• Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing: Falls from height are a leading cause of fatal accidents in agriculture, often occurring during the construction or maintenance of farm structures.
• Manufacturing: Falls from height can happen when operating machinery, working on elevated platforms, or accessing storage areas in factories.

Fatal workplace falls often involve equipment such as cherry pickers, ladders, or scaffolding. Examples of how an injury may occur, include:

• Inadequate training
• Faulty or inadequate equipment
• Lack of proper safety measures

Legal responsibilities of employers

Employers have a responsibility to keep their workplace safe and manage health and safety risks. They have a legal duty to protect their employees and prevent serious accidents. In the UK, there are several laws in place to ensure workers’ welfare is a priority. Some of the key pieces of legislation include:

• The Work at Height Regulations 2005
• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA)
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007

For industries where working at height is common, The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to:

• Conduct regular risk assessments to ensure proper planning and identify evolving risks.
• Supervise all work at height and ensure the task is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent individuals only.
• Provide suitable equipment to prevent falls, such as guardrails and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ensure workers are properly trained to handle tasks at height competently.
• Inspect and maintain equipment regularly to prevent accidents and ensure safety.

Is it a legal requirement to keep a record of all workplace injuries?

Employers have a legal duty to record and report certain workplace injuries under RIDDOR – the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations.

If an employee suffers a fatal work-related injury, the employer is legally required to report the incident. Additionally, if an employee sustains a reportable work-related injury and dies as a result within one year, their death must be recorded as a work-related fatality.

This regulation plays a crucial role in holding employers accountable for workplace safety. Failure to comply with RIDDOR can lead to legal action, prosecution, and financial penalties.

Keeping accurate records not only ensures compliance with the law but also helps improve workplace safety and prevent future accidents.

Contact Us

If a loved one has died as a result of a workplace accident, where they should have been better protected by their employer, getting legal advice is essential. A fatal work injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights.

At Fletchers Solicitors we can assess whether the employer failed to follow health and safety regulations. If the employer breached their duty to protect your loved one, you may be entitled to seek justice through compensation for your loss, holding them accountable for their actions.

Other common fatal workplace injuries

While falls from height are the most common fatal work Injury in the UK, other workplace injuries and incidents also contribute significantly to workplace fatalities:

• Struck by a moving vehicle: This accounted for 18% of fatal workplace injuries in 2023/24.
  • Most commonly occurs in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing industries.
  • Could involve forklifts, delivery lorries, and other industrial vehicles.
  • Can result from inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a lack of high-visibility clothing.
• Struck by a moving object: 14% of fatal workplace injuries during 2023/24.
  Common causes include:
  • Falling materials or tools, particularly in construction, sometimes leading to fatal head injuries.
  • Incidents involving contact with machinery during maintenance.
  • Inappropriately stored tools or equipment, creating hazards in the workplace.
• Trapped by something collapsing or overturning: 11% of fatal workplace injuries during 2023/24.
  Accidents can occur due to:
  •  Unstable structures or overturning machinery, especially in construction and manufacturing.
• Contact with moving machinery: 6% of fatal workplace injuries during 2023/24.
  • Manufacturing and engineering workers face risks from heavy machinery.
  • Accidents often occur during maintenance or repairs, where injuries can be severe.

(Source: Work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain, 2024)

If a family member has died from a workplace injury, then you deserve answers about what happened and why. Speak to us for support and legal guidance about how to make a fatal workplace accident claim.

Compensation for a fatal workplace injury

Losing a loved one due to a workplace accident is devastating and often comes as a shock.

Legally, all employers should have Employers’ Liability Insurance – in the case of a claim, this insurance is there to cover any compensation payouts. Speaking to a solicitor who specialises in employers’ liability cases ensures you receive the right support in navigating complex fatal workplace injury claims.

At Fletchers Solicitors, we help families understand their right to compensation and build a strong case on their behalf. Our solicitors work to establish whether the employer was negligent and determine who is responsible for your loss.

Compensation can help cover unexpected funeral costs, and families may also be entitled to dependency claims, which provide financial support for the loss of income or care the deceased would have provided. This can apply to children, spouses, or other family members who relied on them.

Time limits for making a claim

It is important to be aware of key dates when considering a claim, as families have just three years to begin the process. This period starts from whichever is later:

• The date of death
• The date on which the post-mortem examination or coroner’s inquest is concluded

HSE and fatal work injuries

In this guide, we’ve focused on statistics from workplace injury reports submitted to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which provide crucial insight into workplace safety trends. This data can help create action for policy decisions and reduce the risk of future accidents.

The HSE also has a role in investigating and prosecuting breaches of health and safety laws, ensuring that employers are held accountable when regulations are not followed. These findings can also support legal claims by providing clear evidence of employer negligence.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to a fatal workplace injury, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. At Fletchers Solicitors, we’re here to offer compassionate and expert guidance –get in touch for support.

How is the industry working to prevent future accidents?

It’s reassuring to know that the UK has consistently ranked among European countries with the lowest rates of fatal workplace injuries. Strong health and safety regulations no doubt contribute to this positive standing, with authorities like the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) playing a vital role in maintaining these standards, enforcing regulations, and promoting workplace safety initiatives.

The HSE also serves as a valuable and accessible resource for employers, offering instant guidance on work equipment and machinery safety, particularly in industries like manufacturing. This resource supports employers in risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and safe usage, helping to embed workplace safety as a fundamental part of industrial culture.

Ongoing and effective training is another key factor in protecting employees and preventing future injuries and accidents. By consistently refreshing and educating workers on safety procedures and risk awareness, businesses create a more secure environment and proactively reduce workplace risks before incidents occur. There are numerous training providers across the UK that offer workplace safety courses tailored to different industries. Providers such as the British Safety Council help businesses ensure employees are not injured or made ill through their work.

World Health and Safety at Work Day is observed annually on April 28. Established in 2003 by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the day advocates for the importance of Occupational Safety and Health and highlights the necessity of strong policies in this area.

It also serves as a commemoration day for dead and injured workers, which has been organised worldwide by the trade union movement since 1996.

Both serve as a tribute to those who have lost their lives or been injured while on the job, reminding us why workplace safety needs to be at the forefront of every industry.

Why choose Fletchers Solicitors for a fatal workplace accident claim?

Losing a loved one in a fatal workplace accident is incomprehensible. At Fletchers Solicitors, we understand the impact this can have on families. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, expert legal support to bereaved families, guiding them through the process with care and consideration. Leading our efforts are Jenny Stevenson, Head of Personal Injury, and Stephen Hussey, both highly skilled solicitors with extensive experience in Employers’ Liability claims. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and go through the next steps.

What compensation can families claim after a fatal workplace accident?
Families of those who have suffered a fatal workplace accident may be entitled to various forms of compensation. This is an area that your solicitors will discuss with you when you get in touch. We recognise each case as unique, and compensation amounts are dependent on various factors, such as the deceased’s earnings, dependants, and circumstances of the accident. Claims can include:

• Bereavement Award – Which is a fixed sum awarded to certain family members.
• Dependency Claim – This is compensation aimed at financially supporting those who depended on the individual who passed away.
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering compensation

How long do families have to make a claim after a fatal workplace accident?
In the UK, families typically have three years from the date of a fatal workplace accident to make a claim. Given the complexity of these cases, this is a relatively short timeframe, so seeking legal advice as soon as possible is strongly recommended.

There is also no certainty on how long a claim will take to resolve. Some cases may be settled quickly, while others can take much longer, depending on the circumstances. Seeking expert legal advice early provides clarity on what to expect and helps ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible.

Can criminal charges be brought against employers following workplace fatalities?
Yes, criminal charges can be brought against employers following workplace fatalities in the UK. If an employer is found to have breached health and safety laws, they may face prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.