The recent report from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), released on 3 July 2024, reveals a troubling increase in workplace fatalities. Between April 2023 and March 2024, a total of 138 workers lost their lives due to work-related accidents, up from 136 the previous year. This number now surpasses the figures reported a decade ago in 2013/14, which also stood at 136 fatalities.

Industries with Highest Fatalities

The report highlights specific industries that account for the majority of these fatalities:

1. Construction: Known for its high-risk activities, construction continues to be a major contributor to workplace fatalities.
2. Agriculture: With machinery, animals, and heavy physical work, this sector also reports a significant number of deaths.
3. Manufacturing: Despite automation, the use of heavy machinery and hazardous materials makes this industry hazardous.
4. Transport and Storage: Accidents involving vehicles and the handling of heavy goods contribute to the fatality count.

Leading Cause of Fatal Injuries

Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal injuries to workers, consistent with previous years’ data. This underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures in activities involving work at heights.

Emphasis on Worker Safety

The HSE’s data serves as a stark reminder that worker safety must be a paramount concern for all businesses. Employers are legally obligated to regularly review and enhance their Health and Safety Management Systems. Implementing a Plan-Do-Check-Act model, such as ISO 45001, can help organizations systematically improve their safety protocols.

Considerations for Improvement

Employers should reflect on several key areas to identify opportunities for improving workplace safety:

• Risk Assessment: Are risks effectively considered during the planning phase?
• Equipment: Is the correct equipment provided and maintained?
• Maintenance: Are planned preventative maintenance schedules in place?
• Inspections: Are statutory examinations and inspections completed on time?
• Worker Competence: Do workers and those in the supply chain have the necessary skills, knowledge, attitude, training, and experience?
• Safe Systems of Work: Are these systems adequate to control activity-related risks?
• Supervision: Is there a robust regime of accountable supervision in the workplace?
• Action on Findings: Are safety tours, inspections, and audit findings acted upon?

Conclusion

The increase in workplace fatalities underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to ensure worker safety. Employers must remain committed to improving their safety management systems, ensuring that all workers can perform their duties in a safe and secure environment. The devastating impact of workplace fatalities on businesses, families, and communities cannot be overstated, and every effort must be made to prevent such tragedies.

Whilst there are changes to legal requirements, there are changes to guidance which will help you understand how and when you should submit a report under RIDDOR.

Main changes to the guidance include:

• more direct links to guidance on the various types of reportable incidents to help you decide whether a report is required.
• improved guidance on who should and should not report under RIDDOR.
• improved guidance on what is meant by a ‘work-related’ accident.
• information on when an occupational disease is not reportable.
• increased clarity on when an ‘over-7-day’ absence should be reported.

Main changes to the online forms include:

• the questions have been reordered to bring questions about the ‘severity of injuries’ to the beginning. This will help you quickly decide if your incident is reportable.
• pop-up messages will now redirect you if the incident is not reportable.
• guidance has been improved throughout the forms to make them easier to use.
• injured or affected people now have an increased number of options when completing the gender field.

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What’s changed?

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