Fatal Injury Statistics

A total of 144 workers were killed at work in Great Britain in 2017/18p.  Although this represents an increase of 9 fatalities from 2016/17, it is possible that this change can be explained by natural variation in the figures.  In statistical terms the number of fatalities has remained broadly level in recent years – the average annual number of workers killed at work over the five years 2013/14-2017/18 is 141.  

In 2017/18, 35 fatal injuries to workers were due to falls from a height.  This compares to 27 in 2016/17 and an annual average over the period 2013/14-2017/18 of 37.   

Being struck by a moving vehicle accounted for 26 fatal injuries to workers in 2017/18 compared with 30 in 2016/17 and an annual average of 26 over the period 2013/14-2017/18.

The number of fatal injuries caused by being struck by a moving, including flying or falling, object has fluctuated between 15 and 23 in each of the last five years, with an annual average of 19 over the period 2013/14-2017/18.

The 31 fatal injury cases in the Other kind of accident category in 2017/18 are made up of a range of different accident kinds including (but not limited to): • Injured by an animal (9) • Slips, trips or falls on the same level (4) • Drowning or asphyxiation; Contact with electricity or electrical discharge; Exposure to fire. (3 fatalities each). 
 

These statistics cover work-related fatalities that are reportable under RIDDOR, and are updated on a quarterly basis. A consequence of providing detail that is as up-to-date as possible is that many of the cases listed are still under investigation. Therefore, these statistics are released on a provisional basis and may be subject to revision as more accurate information becomes available.

Some deaths are excluded from these statistics as they are reportable under other legislation. The main exclusions are as follows:

1. Fatal accidents involving workers travelling on a public highway (a 'road traffic accident'). Such incidents are enforced by the police and reported to the Department for Transport. Those killed whilst commuting (travelling from home to work, and vice versa) are also excluded.
2. Fatal accidents involving workers travelling by air or sea. These incidents are the responsibility of the Air Accident Investigation Branch and Marine Accident Investigation Branch, and reported accordingly.
3. Fatal injuries at work due to 'natural causes', usually heart attacks or strokes, unless brought on by trauma due to the accident.
4. Accidents to members of the armed forces.

Fatal injuries to workers are predominately to male workers.  In 2017/18, 138 (96%) of all worker fatalities were to male workers, a similar proportion to earlier years.