Work-related deaths - The statistics
In 2017/2018 144 workers were killed in work-related accidents in Great Britain.
This was nine more than in 2016/17 and slightly above the five year average of 141 per year (from 2013/14 to 2017/18).
Fatal Injuries by Sector
Fatal Injury Rate by Sector
(fatalities per 100,000 workers)Types of Fatal Work Accident
Fatal Injury Rate within GB
Fatal Injuries to Members of the Public
*All figures above taken from RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) statistics
Fatal Injury Rate Across Europe
Figures for EU countries use a standardised rate to address the differing industrial backgrounds across the countries. (per 100,000 workers)
**Eurostat reporting 2015
What happens following a death in the workplace
All deaths resulting from work-related activity must be reported under RIDDOR.
Internal (Employers) and External (HSE) Investigations must take place under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Full disclosure of the circumstances of an accident must be disclosed to injured parties considering legal action.
The investigation should provide:
- An understanding of how and why things went wrong
- An understanding of the ways workers are exposed to harmful or dangerous conditions
- A frank view of how workplace activities are actually being carried out (including short cuts and where rules are being ignored)
- Identification of where risk controls are failing and where lessons can be learned
Investigations are used to:
- provide evidence in civil claims for compensation
- prevent similar accidents in the future
- assist in the development of managerial skills and strategies for the benefit of the organisation
