The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently released new statistics highlighting the ongoing risks faced by workers across Great Britain, and it makes for alarming reading. While it’s fair to say that the chance of having a fatal accident at work in Great Britain is much lower than elsewhere in the world, the figures highlighted by the HSE still paint a worrying picture of the risks faced daily by workers due to unsafe working conditions.
Workplace Accidents: Causes for Concern
The figures show that while there has been some improvement in workplace safety around accidents, the numbers remain concerning. Between April 2024 and March 2025, 124 employees across various sectors were fatally injured in work-related incidents. Industries with the highest number of fatal accidents were construction, followed by agriculture, forestry and fishing. Focusing in on the causes of these accidents showed that typically, falling from a height, being struck by moving objects and being trapped by collapsing or overturning equipment proved to be most common. Concerningly, these incidents are rarely “accidents” and more often are a result of an employer’s failure to provide proper safety measures. From inadequate fall protection to poorly maintained machinery, these tragic outcomes are preventable – but only when the right health and safety standards are followed.
“These incidents are rarely “accidents” and more often are a result of an employer’s failure to provide proper safety measures.”
Asbestos and the Law
One area where the employer’s duty of care is especially critical is asbestos exposure, which can go on to cause the aggressive form of lung cancer, mesothelioma. Despite strict legal obligations, many workplaces, particularly older buildings, still contain asbestos that is not properly managed. This means that anyone working in or around these buildings could unknowingly inhale asbestos fibres and be put at risk. In 2023 alone, the HSE reported that 2,218 people died from mesothelioma. This is especially relevant for members of the workforce who have been employed in construction, shipbuilding, industrial sites, or older public buildings.
Weather Events and Risks
It’s not just inside the workplace that poses a risk to health. Although the UK has a mostly temperate climate, extreme weather events are becoming more common. The recent HSE report reminds employers that it’s vital to monitor and take action to protect their employees when these events occur. While there’s no legal “maximum” temperature for workplaces, employers must take reasonable steps to reduce risks during hot spells. For outdoor workers or those in heat-intensive industries, failing to manage these risks can lead to serious illness.
Know Your Rights
Employers have a clear legal duty to keep workplaces and their employees safe, as stated in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This piece of legislation is also supported by numerous other Acts and Regulations that address specific aspects of workplace safety. If employers fail in this duty and someone is injured or made ill as a result, the law allows those affected to seek compensation through enforcement action.
Why Make a Claim?
Enforcement action, that is, the involvement of a regulatory body or court to judge whether wrongdoing has occurred, can send a strong message to employers and helps hold those who fail in their legal responsibilities to account. In recent months, the HSE has fined a construction company £165,000 for fire safety failings, penalised a motor repair shop £40,000 after a dangerous lifting incident and even secured a suspended prison sentence for a builder whose negligence led to a worker’s injury.
Personal Injury Support
Though court action focuses on penalising those who have done wrong, it may not provide adequate justice for victims and their families. Pursuing a personal injury claim with guidance from a knowledgeable litigation firm can go further to help those affected by life-changing situations that they have been put in through no fault of their own. a successful claim can help cover lost earnings, medical expenses and any ongoing care needs. While it may seem a daunting prospect, choosing a supportive firm who can guide you through the litigation process with professionalism and compassion is key.
Expert Guidance for Your Claim
At Jackson Boyd, our team of expert personal injury lawyers has extensive experience helping workers across Scotland secure the justice they deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact of a workplace accident, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t suffer in silence. If you believe you have been injured due to a breach of health and safety standards, contact Jackson Boyd today by completing our quick and easy online form or calling us on 0330 173 9513.
