The latest annual work-related ill health and injury statistics have been published by the HSE. The figures cover work-related illnesses and injuries in Great Britain during 2023/24.
1.7 million workers were estimated to be suffering from work-related ill health, and a total of 138 workers died as a result of injuries sustained at work.
There were 604,000 self-reported non-fatal injuries in 2023/24 reported by the Labour Force Survey. 61,663 non-fatal injuries to employees were reported under RIDDOR.
Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal injury
50 workers died as a result of falls from height, making up over a third of fatal injuries during 2023/24. This is an increase of 22% on the previous year and 35% above the 5-year average.
52% of fatal fall injuries were sustained by self-employed workers. Rates in self-employed workers rose by 44% since last year: 26 self-employed workers died as a result of falls from height in 2023/24, compared to 18 in 2022/23.
Source: RIDKIND – RIDDOR reported fatal and non-fatal injuries in Great Britain by kind of accident and broad industry group
Construction contributed the most fatal injuries
The construction industry contributed the most fatal injuries during 2023/24. 51 construction workers died from injuries sustained on site, an increase from 47 in 2022/23. The majority of construction deaths were caused by falls from a height (31).
The second highest number of fatal injuries were in agriculture, forestry and fishing. 23 workers died as a result of a workplace injury. A further 16 workers were killed in the manufacturing industry.
Source: RIDKIND – RIDDOR reported fatal and non-fatal injuries in Great Britain by kind of accident and broad industry group
Head injury was the most common fatal injury
44 workers died as result of a head injury sustained at work. Head injury was the most common injury leading to fatality – accounting for 32% of all fatal injuries during 2023/24.
This is an increase from 38 the previous year and puts the figure at 24% above the 5-year average.
Source: RIDSITE – RIDDOR reported fatal and non-fatal injuries in Great Britain by site of injury
Highest number of non-fatal head injuries reported
There were 3562 non-fatal head injuries reported during 2023/24. This is an increase from 3470 in 2022/23, and the highest figure we have seen in recent years.
2023/24 has the highest rate of non-fatal head injuries in the 10 years of available data. The previous highest was 2018/19 with 3477.
Non-fatal injuries tend to be underreported (see note in RIDSITE table). An increase may indicate a higher number of injuries or an increase in reporting.
Source: RIDSITE – RIDDOR reported fatal and non-fatal injuries in Great Britain by site of injury 12,000 lung disease deaths linked to past exposure at work 12,000 lung disease deaths each year are estimated to be linked to past exposure at work. The HSE statistics also report 2257 mesothelioma deaths in 2022, and a similar number of lung cancer deaths linked to asbestos exposure.
Estimates from the Labour Force Survey suggest that 20,000 new cases of breathing and lung problems could be caused or made worse by work, based on averages over the last three years.
Source: HSE statistics
Learn how to implement control measures for work at height. Get information on different helmet types. Find out how to select the correct respiratory protective equipment (RPE).