Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 15th January 2026 Issue no. 1193
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Latest annual work-related fatalities show our industry’s failings
The Health & Safety Executive’s latest annual figures show that 124 workers were killed in work-related incidents in Great Britain and that a number of these were from the support services and waste & recycling sectors.
The figures, covering April 2024 to March 2025, show that the number of deaths remain broadly in line with pre-pandemic levels, and compares to 223 20 years ago (2004/05) and 495 in 1981.
The industries with the highest number of deaths were construction (35) and agriculture, forestry and fishing (23). Of all main industry sectors, agriculture, forestry and fishing continues to have the highest rate of fatal injury per 100,000 workers followed by waste and recycling.
The most common cause of fatal injuries continues to be falls from a height (35), representing over a quarter of worker deaths in 2024/25.
A further 92 people who were not at work were killed in work-related incidents in 2024/25. This refers to members of the public who were in a workplace but were not working themselves.
"Great Britain is one of the safest places in the world to work, but we must remember each of these deaths represents a tragedy for families, friends and communities,” says HSE's chief executive Sarah Albon.
"Despite the stability in numbers, we cannot accept that fatal accidents are an inevitable part of working life. We are encouraged by the long-term trend but urge against complacency on workplace safety.
"Our practical and proportionate guidance is available for free on our website, and further support is available if needed."
17th July 2025