The latest statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal 124 workers were killed by a work-related injury during the last 12 months. Falls from height remain the leading cause, accounting for over a quarter of all fatalities.
The 2024/25 provisional figures cover fatal injuries sustained in the workplace from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025.
Falls from height remain leading cause of workplace fatalities
35 workers lost their lives following a fall from height during 2024/25. Falls have been the leading cause of workplace fatality for the past three years. While this year shows a reduction compared to 2023/24, the number remains broadly in line with the 5-year average.
Over 65% of fatal fall injuries were to self-employed workers. 23 self-employed workers were killed in falls from height in the last year, compared with 12 employees.
A further 18 workers were killed after being struck by a moving object, which includes impact injuries from dropped tools and falling debris.
Construction sector reports most fatal injuries
The construction industry continued to account for the highest number of fatal injuries, with 35 construction workers killed by a workplace injury in the last 12 months.
For the last five years, over half of all construction deaths were caused by falls from height, averaging 21 each year.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing accounted for 23 fatal injuries, and a further 11 workers were killed in the manufacturing sector.
While the construction industry reported the highest number of fatal injuries, agriculture, forestry and fishing had the highest rate at 8.01 per 100,000 workers. This is 22 times the all-industry rate of 0.37, whereas construction stands at 1.65 (five times the all-industry rate).
40% of fatal injuries sustained by self-employed workers
The self-employed accounted for 40% of fatal injuries during 2024/25, despite only making up 15% of workforce. The high number is partly due to self-employment being more prevalent in higher risk sectors.
Over the last five years, 66% of fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and fishing were sustained by self-employed workers. For the same period, self-employed workers accounted for 45% of fatal injuries in construction.
Across all industries, self-employed fatal injury rates are around three times that of employees.
While 2024/25 saw a reduction in fatalities compared to the previous two years, the 124 lives lost remain a stark reminder of the need to improve safety in the workplace. By increasing awareness of the hazards facing workers, taking the right precautions and selecting effective PPE, workplace injuries can be prevented to ensure everyone returns home safely.
Read more about the 2024/25 work-related fatal injury statistics
Find out how to stay safe while working at height