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Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related Fatal Injuries Statistics 2023
This article provides an executive summary of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report on work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain for the year 2022/23.
135 Workers Killed in Work-Related Accidents in 2022/23
The report shows that a total of 135 workers were killed in work-related accidents in Great Britain in the year 2022/23. This is an increase from the previous year, indicating a possible trend of increasing work-related fatalities. The data for this information was sourced from the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). (Page 6)
Construction and Agriculture Sectors Account for the Highest Number of Fatalities
The construction and agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors accounted for the greatest number of workers killed in fatal accidents each year. This suggests that these sectors are particularly high-risk and may require additional safety measures. (Page 6)
25% of Deaths Were Workers Aged 60 and Over
Around a quarter of the deaths in 2022/23 were to workers aged 60 and over. This is consistent with the profile in earlier years, suggesting that older workers may be at a higher risk of fatal accidents. (Page 6)
Falls from Height, Struck by Moving Object, and Struck by Moving Vehicle are Most Common Fatal Accidents
The most common kinds of fatal accidents to workers continue to be falls from a height, being struck by a moving object, and being struck by a moving vehicle. These types of accidents accounted for around two-thirds of fatal injuries to workers in 2022/23. (Page 4)
Rate of Fatal Injury per 100,000 Workers Shows a Downward Trend
Over the long-term, the rate of fatal injury to workers showed a downward trend. However, in recent years prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the rate had been broadly flat. The current rate is similar to pre-coronavirus levels. (Page 4)
68 Members of the Public Killed in Work-Related Accidents in 2022/23
In addition to worker fatalities, 68 members of the public were also killed in work-related accidents in 2022/23. This excludes deaths due to work-related accidents to ‘patients and service users’ in the healthcare and adult social care sectors in England reportable under RIDDOR. (Page 4)
Fatal Injuries to Workers are Predominantly to Male Workers
In 2022/23, 96% of all worker fatalities were to male workers, a similar proportion to earlier years. This highlights a significant gender disparity in work-related fatalities. (Page 11)
33% of Fatal Injuries to Workers Were to the Self-Employed
In the period 2018/19-2022/23, 33% of fatal injuries to workers were to the self-employed. This is despite self-employed workers only making up around 15% of the workforce, indicating that self-employed workers may face higher risks. (Page 14)
Rate of Fatal Injury Increases with Age
The rate of fatal injury increases with age, with workers aged 60-64 having a rate around twice the all ages rate and workers aged 65 and over a rate that is 3 times as high as the all ages rate. (Page 11)
Longer Term Trends Show a Downward Trend in the Rate of Fatal Injury to Workers
Over the long-term, the rate of fatal injury to workers showed a downward trend, though in the recent years prior to the coronavirus pandemic the rate had been broadly flat. The current rate is similar to pre-coronavirus levels. (Page 18)
Conclusion
This summary presents key findings from the HSE report on work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain for the year 2022/23. The data shows that while there has been a long-term downward trend in the rate of fatal injuries, certain sectors and demographics continue to face higher risks. It is crucial to continue to monitor these trends and implement safety measures to protect workers and the public.
