HSE Reports 126 Workplace Fatalities as Great Britain Remains Among the Safest Countries to Work
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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its latest annual workplace fatality statistics, revealing that 126 workers lost their lives in work-related accidents across Great Britain during 2025/26.
While the figures represent the lowest annual total accidental deaths recorded outside the years affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the HSE has stressed that every workplace fatality represents a tragic loss for families, colleagues, and communities. The latest report also includes new international analysis, which indicates that Great Britain continues to rank among the safest places in the world to work when compared with 35 other countries.
Despite this positive long-term trend, the figures highlight that serious risks remain in certain industries. Construction recorded the highest number of workplace deaths with 25 fatalities, followed by Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing with 22. When adjusted for workforce size, agriculture continued to have the highest fatal injury rate, while Waste and Recycling also remained among the country’s most dangerous sectors.
Falls from height were once again identified as the leading cause of fatal workplace accidents, accounting for 31 worker deaths during the year. The statistics also indicated that employees aged 60 and over made up almost one-third of all workplace fatalities, despite representing only a small proportion of the overall workforce.
Alongside worker fatalities, a further 104 members of the public lost their lives as a result of work-related incidents during the same period.
The HSE also released updated figures on mesothelioma, confirming that 2,146 people died from the asbestos-related cancer in 2024. Although this marks a continued decline from previous years, the disease remains responsible for thousands of deaths linked to historic asbestos exposure, often dating back several decades.
Commenting on the figures, HSE Chief Executive Sarah Albon said that every statistic represented “a loved one lost”, reinforcing the importance of maintaining high standards of workplace health and safety across all industries.
Can families claim compensation after a workplace fatality?
When a worker loses their life because of an accident at work caused by negligence, certain family members or the deceased’s estate may have the right to pursue a fatal accident claim. Although compensation cannot undo the loss of a loved one, it can help provide financial security by covering funeral expenses, loss of financial dependency and other costs arising from the death.
Fatal workplace accident claims can arise where employers have failed to provide a safe working environment, carry out suitable risk assessments, maintain equipment properly or comply with health and safety legislation. Speaking with experienced accident at work solicitors can help families understand whether they may be entitled to pursue compensation.
How Workplace Injury & Illness Claims can help
At Workplace Injury & Illness Claims, we understand that the loss of a loved one in a workplace accident is devastating. Our experienced team provides a free, no-obligation assessment to help families understand whether they may have grounds to bring a claim for a workplace fatality.
If your claim is suitable, we can introduce you to one of our specialist panel solicitors **, who may be able to represent you on a no win, no fee * basis. Throughout the process, we’ll provide clear, compassionate guidance, helping your family pursue the compensation and support you need following the fatal workplace accident.
Call us today on 08082391859^ or use our contact form to start your workplace fatality claim.
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