Safety

HSE Reports High Fatality Rates in Agriculture and Construction

By Safety Desk · 07 November 2026

Latest HSE statistics identify construction as the sector with the most workplace deaths, while agriculture remains the highest-risk industry per worker.

Newly released figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlight a sobering reality for the UK's high-risk sectors. Construction continues to record the highest total number of fatal injuries, underlining the ongoing hazards associated with sites and infrastructure projects.

While construction leads in total numbers, the agricultural sector remains the deadliest industry when measured by the rate of fatal accidents per 100,000 workers. These statistics serve as a critical reminder for procurement and safety managers to ensure that safety equipment and site protocols are strictly maintained to mitigate known risks.

For industrial trade buyers, these findings emphasise the necessity of investing in high-quality PPE and robust site safety solutions. Ensuring that workers are equipped with the correct falls-from-height protection, visibility gear, and machinery safeguards is essential for reducing these figures in the coming year.

Source: IOSH Magazine