25th August 2026

Why Great Britain Continues To Lead The World In Workplace Safety

Great Britain has once again reinforced its reputation as one of the safest places in the world to work. New analysis released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on 1st July highlights both long‑term progress and emerging challenges in keeping workers safe across all industries.

A Record Low Number Of Fatalities

HSE’s annual statistics for 2025/26 show that 126 workers lost their lives in work‑related incidents. While every death is a tragedy, the long‑term trend tells a powerful story: Great Britain’s fatality rate has been falling steadily for decades.

To put this into perspective:

• 2025/26: 126 fatalities
• 2005/06: 217 fatalities
• 1981: 495 fatalities

Excluding the pandemic years, the latest figures represent the lowest number of worker deaths ever recorded in a single year. This year’s analysis also breaks new ground. For the first time, HSE has compared Great Britain’s fatal injury rates with 35 countries worldwide, not just Europe. The conclusion is clear: GB continues to perform strongly against other advanced economies, maintaining its position as a global leader in workplace safety.

Where The Risks Remain Highest

Some industries continue to face disproportionately high risks:

• Construction: 25 fatalities
• Agriculture, forestry and fishing: 22 fatalities
• Waste and recycling: fatal injury rate of 5.47 per 100,000 workers

Agriculture, forestry and fishing remains the sector with the highest fatal injury rate at 8.09 per 100,000 workers, more than 20 times the all‑industry average of 0.37.

The most common cause of fatal injuries also remains consistent: Falls from height accounted for 31 deaths, representing around a quarter of all worker fatalities.

Older Workers Face Greater Risk

Workers aged 60 and over accounted for 40 fatalities, despite representing just 12% of the workforce. This trend highlights the need for targeted interventions, ergonomic planning, and age‑inclusive safety strategies.

Impact On The Public

Work‑related incidents don’t only affect workers. In 2025/26, 104 members of the public were killed in incidents connected to work activities, even though they were not working at the time. These cases underline the broader societal responsibility organisations carry when managing risk.

A Message From HSE’s Chief Executive

Sarah Albon, HSE’s Chief Executive, reflected on the significance of the findings:

“Every one of these numbers represents a loved one lost; serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of the work we do.”

She also emphasised the value of this year’s expanded international comparison:

“We can be proud that Great Britain remains one of the safest places in the world to work… the new analysis we have developed this year, for the first time, allows us to compare our safety record with a wide range of other advanced economies.”

Mesothelioma Deaths Continue to Decline

Alongside fatal injury data, HSE published updated figures for mesothelioma, a cancer caused by past asbestos exposure. In 2024:

• 2,146 people died from mesothelioma
• This is 109 fewer deaths than in 2023
• And significantly below the average of 2,508 deaths per year between 2011–2020

Most current cases reflect exposure that occurred decades ago, often before the 1980s. Encouragingly, annual deaths are expected to continue declining over the next decade.

The Bigger Picture

Great Britain’s long‑term safety record is not an accident. It reflects decades of regulatory development, industry collaboration, and a culture that increasingly prioritises worker wellbeing. But the data also shows where continued focus is needed, particularly in high‑risk sectors and among older workers. As HSE’s analysis expands globally, Great Britain’s position as a world leader in workplace safety becomes even clearer. The challenge now is to maintain that momentum and ensure every worker, in every sector, goes home safe.