216 Dead In Workplace Tragedies – Thousands Die From Asbestos

Latest annual figures show 124 workers were killed in work-related incidents in Great Britain. A decrease of fourteen from the previous 12-month period.

However, there were 2,218 mesothelioma deaths in 2023 through past exposure to asbestos.

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.

The figures were published on 2 July and cover the period from April 2024 to March 2025.

The number of deaths remain broadly in line with pre-pandemic levels and compares to 223 twenty years ago (2004/05) and 495 in 1981.

 

Dangerous jobs

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.

 

Falls from height

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.

 

Tragedy for families

The HSE’s chief executive, Sarah Albon says: “Great Britain is one of the safest places in the world to work, yet we must remember each of these deaths represents a tragedy for families, friends and communities.

“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.”

 

Diseases not included

The figures, apart from work-acquired mesothelioma, relate to work-related accidents and do not include deaths arising from occupational diseases or diseases arising from certain occupational exposures.

Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by past exposure to asbestos. Current mesothelioma deaths reflect exposure to asbestos that often occurred before the 1980s and thus annual deaths are expected to continue declining during the next decade.

 

Picture: The most common cause of fatal injuries continues to be falls from a height

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
23rd July 2025

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