HSE set to change reports process for deaths at work​​​​​​​

The construction, agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors continue to account for the greatest number of workers killed in fatal accidents, with construction responsible for the largest share of fatal injuries to workers over the main industry sectors.

Whilst the number of fatal accidents in the construction sector have decreased over the last year the HSE will be disappointed to note that the rate of decrease is slowing. Falls from height continue as the main cause of fatal accident, a situation which has shown little change over the last 25 years. This will no doubt inform future inspections.

The report found that 126 workers were killed in the period from April 2025 to March 2026 in work-related incidents – down two from the previous year. The construction sector saw 25 fatal injuries – down on the annual average of 37 over the last five years. A further 104 members of the public were killed in work-related incidents – an increase of eight on previous years.

Around 60 per cent of all fatal injuries were accounted for by just three accident kinds: falls from a height, strikes by a moving object and strikes by a moving vehicle. Falls from a height were responsible for around a quarter of those fatalities and have been the main cause of work-related fatal injuries in almost every year since 2001, particularly in the construction industry, where they represented more than half of all deaths in the last five years.

Males continue to account for the vast majority of worker fatal injuries, with 93 per cent of workers fatally injured in 2025-26 being men. Workers aged 60 and over represented a third of all fatalities despite making up just 12 per cent of the workforce.

The HSE's statistics are drawn from reports made under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, which require work-related incidents involving specified injuries, diseases or dangerous occurrences to be notified to the appropriate regulator.

Where a person dies as a result of a work-related accident, a report must be made. However, there can be confusion over the precise meaning of “work-related” and in relation to the causal link between an incident and work.

The HSE recently set out proposals to clarify these matters, which will largely be through additional guidance and examples, with the aim of obtaining better quality data and fewer unnecessary reports.

There is concern that, at least in the short term, the current proposals may result in an increase in reporting, with a consequent dilution on the quality of data provided.

That data must be as accurate as possible. It plays a significant role in flagging potential areas of concern and is used by the regulator to inform inspections and ensure resources are used as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Overreporting can be as damaging as underreporting, so care will be required to ensure any changes to the reporting process are well thought through and balance their costs and benefits for all stakeholders.

Kevin Bridges, Partner and Head of Health and Safety at Pinsent Masons​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​