Figures published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have revealed that work-related accidents caused 124 deaths last year, 14 fewer than the previous year. 

This continues a general trend in declining fatal workplace accidents – 223 people were killed 20 years ago – but IOSH is keen for more to be done to make people safer at work.

Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy and public affairs at IOSH said, “One death is too many, especially when work-related accidents can be prevented. There were nearly two-and-a-half deaths every week last year, so this is no cause for celebration. 

“This is 124 lives lost because of work. It’s families having to go through the devastation of losing a loved one. It’s colleagues having to go through distress caused by seeing someone lose their life. While the UK is one of the safest places to work in the world, with strong health and safety standards, that is of no consolation to them. 

“These figures are a reminder of the consequences of when things can and do go wrong. So, we’re calling on businesses to ask themselves if they are doing all they can to prevent accidents, to ensure their people are truly safe and can return home to their families at the end of every working day.”

The figures relate to the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The industry with the highest number of deaths was construction, with 35 fatalities. Meanwhile, there were 23 deaths in agriculture, forestry and fishing, and 15 in transportation and storage.

The leading cause of fatalities was falls from height, which accounted for 35 of the deaths, while 18 were caused by someone being struck by a moving object and 17 by being trapped by something which collapsed or overturned.

Of the 124 people killed, 49 of them were self-employed. Meanwhile, 40 per cent of the fatal injuries were to workers aged 60 and over, despite that age group only making up 12 per cent of the workforce. 

Ruth added: “Businesses need to ask if all workers are informed and aware of the hazards and risks exposed to them, and the controls in place to prevent harm and protect them. And they need to consider if all workers know their health and safety rights, and their responsibilities. 

“Businesses need to ensure they are investing in maintaining strong health and safety management systems – with commitment from leadership and worker participation with robust risk management – you can’t put a price on someone’s life.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its latest annual fatality statistics, covering 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.

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.

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.

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.

HSE’s chief executive Sarah Albon said: “Great Britain is one of the safest places in the world to work, but 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.”

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

The HSE has also published the annual figures for mesothelioma (PDF) , a cancer caused by past exposure to asbestos. The figures show that 2,218 people died from the disease in 2023, representing a fall of 62 compared with 2022 and substantially lower than the average of 2,508 deaths per year over the ten-year period 2011-2020. Current mesothelioma deaths reflect exposure to asbestos that often occurred before the 1980s and annual deaths are expected to continue declining during the next decade.

One in five installers say illegal gas work is directly harming their business, from lost contracts and reputational damage to time and money spent rectifying botched jobs.

The survey highlights concerns not just about customer safety, but about cost, with a third of installers saying customers typically pay over £400 to repair these dangerous installations.

The figures suggest that a major source of this problem is the lack of oversight. Nearly half (45%) of illegal work is promoted via social media advertisements, making it easier for unqualified individuals to offer services without scrutiny.

Some 61% of respondents believe the most effective way to prevent this dangerous practice is to prohibit boiler sales to anyone who is not Gas Safe registered.

ATAG Heating Technology has long maintained a strict policy of only selling boilers to certified Gas Safe engineers and is now urging the wider industry to adopt the same approach, urging both tradespeople and the public to sign a letter to MPs, calling for legislation that would restrict boiler sales exclusively to Gas Safe registered operatives.

Kevin Treanor, director of ATAG Heating Technology UK, said: “Illegal gas work poses a serious threat to our profession, but more than that, it endangers the lives of UK residents.

“Every year, around 250,000 gas jobs are carried out by unqualified individuals, and we need to work to bring that number to zero. 

“According to the Gas Safe Register, two-thirds of work is unsafe, and our engineers routinely uncover dangerously installed systems that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, or even explosions. Government data also shows that dozens of people lose their lives annually to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by faulty appliances.

“The fact that over half of installers are never asked to show ID when attending a job shows just how vulnerable the current system is. We urgently need tougher safeguards to protect the public and uphold professional standards.”

ATAG is inviting fellow installers and concerned members of the public to write to their MP in support of new legislation that would restrict access to gas-critical products and reduce the volume of illegal installations. 

Email your MP via the ATAG website: https://www.atagheating.co.uk/help-us-stop-all-illegal-gas-work-in-the-uk/ 

To do this, Arco has committed to reducing its absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from purchased goods and services 42 per cent by FY2030 from a FY2021 base year. (The target boundary includes land-related emissions from commodities such as cotton and rubber used in Arco products and removals from bioenergy feedstocks).

The SBTi is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reduction targets, in line with the latest climate science and a 1.5 degree of global warming. Arco revealed its science-based net zero target is focused on prioritising the reduction of emissions across all scopes to reach net zero emissions by 2045.

Jim Harbidge, head of sustainability at Arco said: “We are pleased to have our ambitious net zero targets approved by the SBTi. Publicly committing to these targets enhances our accountability and authenticates the work we’ve been doing over the past few years to reduce our carbon emissions. 

“Last year we hit a significant milestone, reducing our Scope 2 carbon emissions by 21.2 per cent in a single year. It’s therefore critical that we continue to accelerate the delivery of sustainability across the business as we look ahead at our long-term 2045 net zero targets.”

Barry Newman, the sole trader of Foster Brother Builders, was given a 12-month suspended sentence and told to complete 240 hours of unpaid work.

Mr Newman had contracted a Nottingham man to carry out refurbishment works on a property in Bulwell. As part of those works, Newman, 58, had placed a faulty portable space heater, connected to a propane gas (LPG) cylinder, in the property’s cellar to dry out damp.

However, on 22 November 2022, a gas leak from the heater resulted in a violent explosion – causing the 51-year-old man to suffer severe burn injuries to his hands, legs, face and scalp. Footage taken by a member of the public in the immediate aftermath shows the extent of the damage caused to the property, with explosion debris also being propelled onto the pavement and residential road, putting members of the public at risk.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Newman failed to carry out a risk assessment and provide suitable and adequately maintained equipment for the work being undertaken.

The manufacturer’s instructions for the type of heater used clearly state that it is only for use in well-ventilated areas and that LPG cylinders should not be kept below ground. This is because the gas is heavier than air and will collect at the lower level if there is a leak. HSE guidance states that employers should ensure that work equipment is used only for operations for which, and under conditions for which, it is suitable.

Barry Newman of The Quay, Beeston Marina, Nottingham pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(3) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. At Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 19 June 2025 he was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two years, was ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work in the community, and required to pay costs of £2,000.

HSE Inspector Roy Poulter said: “This gas explosion has left one man unable to work due to the seriousness of the injuries sustained and it could have easily resulted in someone losing their life.

“This case should serve as a strong reminder to those in the building trade on the dangers of working with gas and the need to assess the risk, and just how serious both HSE and the courts take failures like this.

“HSE will take action against those who do not do all that they can to keep people safe.”

The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Samantha Wells.

The court heard how the man suffered multiple serious fractures in the incident at a garage in the Kensington area of Liverpool on 23 November 2022.

The 56-year-old from Toxteth, Liverpool, was working as a mechanic at the time, at the Marvin Street premises of Car Spa & Tyres Ltd. He was working on a vehicle which had been raised on a two-post lift. Neither swivel arm on one of the lifting columns was locked into position, and as he took a break to and was preparing to pray, the car fell from the lift, crushing him beneath and causing multiple serious fractures.

He was taken to Aintree Hospital, where he was found to have a broken leg, three broken bones in his spine, five broken ribs and a broken pelvis.

The man spent four months in hospital because of his injuries. Almost two years later, he has been left highly dependent upon his wife, and others, to carry out even simple daily tasks. It is unlikely he will be able to work again.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Car Spa & Tyres Ltd, had failed to put in place a safe system of work, or to sufficiently train their staff, in the proper, and safe operation of the lifting equipment.

The company, of the Kensington area of Liverpool, were found guilty by the jury to breaching regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £20,000 in costs at a hearing at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on 25 June 2025.

After the hearing, HSE inspector David Bellis said, “This was a very serious incident, and it is fortunate nobody was killed as a result.

“If the injured man had been suitably trained in the use of the two-post lift, the company had a suitable system of work in place and the swivel arms had been positioned correctly and locked into place this incident would have been avoided.

“The HSE take all accidents seriously, especially those that could have been easily prevented, and will not hesitate to prosecute, whenever it is appropriate.”

The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Karen Park and paralegal officer Gabrielle O’Sullivan.

Martin brings extensive leadership experience in training, skills development and policy. As chair of the Quality Committee, he will oversee the quality of qualification content, assessment, and delivery, playing a key role in delivering NEBOSH’s 2024-2027 strategy, where assessment and quality are a core building block.

Martin is the founder and CEO of Learning & Skills for Business, a consultancy specialising in workforce development and training strategy. His previous roles include corporate development director at 3T Global, where he led the company’s expansion into the utilities training sector, and managing director for technical training at City & Guilds Group. He also served as head of Siemens Professional Education EMEA, where he managed apprenticeship delivery across Europe, collaborated with government bodies on national skills policy, and led knowledge and skills transfer for major infrastructure projects such as the Riyadh Metro and Thameslink. 

Rob Hull, NEBOSH chair, says: “Martin will be a valuable addition to our board of trustees with his wide-ranging experience of leading work in the UK and abroad. His arrival is timely as we begin to consider the next stage of our strategic development.”

Martin adds: “I am delighted to have been appointed to serve as a trustee on NEBOSH’s board and to contribute to the organisation’s evolution over the coming years.”

The latest study, part of the Ladder Association’s ongoing ‘Step Up to Safe Ladders’ campaign, uses data gathered from their consumer research study published in 2024, to guide the source of telescopic ladders samples for testing against the current product standard EN 131-6.

The research survey found that 72% of the 1,063 consumers surveyed had bought their telescopic ladder online, and overall, that the ladders were primarily bought from home retail giant B&Q (20% online and 10% in-store), leading online retailer Amazon (20%) and well-known hardware and home improvement retailer Screwfix (13% online and 2% in-store).

While recent campaign activity has centred around the widespread availability of unsafe and potentially dangerous ladders sold across online platforms, this latest phase seeks to also evaluate the compliance of telescopic ladders sold via the most popular dedicated DIY retailers, a true reflection of how these products are being purchased by consumers.

Peter Bennett OBE, Executive Director of the Ladder Association, commented: “Making sure consumers are safe is our number one priority and we are committed to raising awareness of potentially harmful ladders. Working at height can be risky enough, without the additional danger of shoddy ladders – every 11 minutes in the UK, someone attends A&E after sustaining an injury involving a ladder¹. A fall from height can cause life changing injury, and in some cases, can even be fatal.

“From our previous market surveillance activity, we are aware of below-standard ladders being sold to unsuspecting consumers, particularly via online platforms. Our latest phase of market surveillance uses the learnings from our consumer research survey to help guide product selection for testing and provides a representative sample of the market.

“The Ladder Association are committed to undertaking continued market surveillance, not only to help root out dangerous ladders, but to also identify those that are good quality and safe. This will give consumers the knowledge and information they need to buy with confidence, whether that’s online or in-store.”

Testing is currently underway at the UK-based test laboratory and certification body, Test and Research Centre in Soham, Cambridgeshire, with the results expected for release early summer.

The Ladder Association is the voice of the industry and promotes the highest standards and competence, while working with major bodies including the Health & Safety Executive. The Association harnesses its own expertise along with that of its member companies to support technical excellence, safety and best practice in the interests of ladder users everywhere. All Ladder Association members are required to make or supply ladders that meet the current product standard.

To find out more information on the ‘Step Up to Safe Ladders’ campaign and to view all three of their market surveillance reports and the outcomes of their consumer research survey, please follow the link: https://ladderassociation.org.uk/step-up/

Reference
1 APPG on Working at Height Report ‘Staying Alive: Preventing Serious Injury and Fatalities while Working at Height’:
https://workingatheight.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Staying-alive.pdf

The TUC says that workers who are outside for lengthy periods in high temperatures are at serious risk of sunstroke, heat stress and even skin cancer.

Working in hot weather can also lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, fainting, and – in the most extreme cases – loss of consciousness.

Advice

Employers can work with trade union health and safety reps to consider the following measures:

• Avoid outside tasks between 11am-3pm when temperatures, and risks, are highest.
• Take vehicles out of service if they do not have air conditioning.
• Provide outdoor workers with sunscreen and advice on the need for protection – available in other languages for migrant workers. 
• Allow staff to take more breaks and provide a supply of cold drinking water.
• Provide canopies or covering over open areas and shaded areas for breaks.
• Provide lightweight brimmed hats and make sure any protective clothing is lightweight, long-sleeved and comfortable.

The right to leave work

Although there is not currently a maximum working temperature in Britain, there is still a statutory right to withdraw from an unsafe workplace.

Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 provides workers with the right to withdraw from and to refuse to return to a workplace that is unsafe. 

Workers are entitled to remain away from the workplace if – in their opinion – the prevailing circumstances represent a real risk of “serious and imminent” danger which they could not be expected to avert.

The TUC says workers should seek advice from their union before using their rights under Section 44.

Climate change

The TUC is calling on ministers to make sure British workplaces are fit for a warmer climate.

Public and private investment is needed to upgrade our buildings and infrastructure, so that they remain functional during heatwaves.

We must also continue with climate action so that we can prevent global heating becoming more extreme, with greater costs to our lives.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said, “Nobody should have to work in unsafe circumstances, but working outside in the intense heat and sunlight of a heatwave is a serious hazard.

“Employers should allow flexible working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and provide regular breaks, plenty of water, sunscreen, and suitable clothing.

“If you're concerned about your working conditions, joining a union is the best way to make sure that your safety is respected by your employer.”

On workers in hot workplaces indoors, Paul added, “Indoor workplaces should be kept at comfortable temperatures, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to make use of the coolest hours of the day. 

“With heatwaves becoming more common, we need to adapt. We need new laws on maximum working temperatures, improvements to workplaces to keep them cool, and climate action to reduce global heating.”

Aryn Stones Ltd had been contracted to build a new domestic property in Hampstead. On 31 May 2022, remedial works were being carried out on a partially built beam-and-block floor, when it collapsed, taking two of the workers down with it.