Over the past year, the UK’s construction industry has faced significant challenges concerning workplace safety. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the construction sector recorded 51 fatal injuries in 2023/24, accounting for a substantial portion of the 138 total work-related fatalities across all industries. As a result the number of fatalities in construction is now statistically significantly higher than the pre-pandemic period (2016/17 – 2018/19) with the five-year average for fatal injuries in the construction sector now being 42.
Primary Causes of Fatalities (All Industries)
The leading causes of these tragic incidents include:
- Falls from Height: Responsible for 50 fatalities across all sectors, this remains the predominant cause of death in construction.
- Struck by Moving Vehicle: Resulting in 25 deaths, highlighting the critical need for effective traffic management on sites.
- Struck by Moving Object: Accounting for 20 fatalities, emphasizing the importance of securing materials and tools.
Notable Incidents and Enforcement Actions in Construction
Several incidents over the past year have underscored the ongoing challenges in ensuring construction site safety:
- Worker Fatality at Wind Farm Construction Site: An engineering company was fined after a labourer died during the construction of a wind farm on the Shetland Islands. The 23-year-old worker was struck by a falling bale arm while removing dried concrete from a skip.
- Fatal Fall at University Construction Site: A company was sentenced after a 62-year-old worker fell 10 meters to his death during the construction of a new university facility. The incident occurred when a scissor lift was pushed over by a nearby crane, leading to the worker’s fatal injuries.
- Excavation Collapse in Glasgow: A company was fined after a worker died while working inside an excavation at a construction site in Glasgow. The 44-year-old man was trapped when part of the excavation wall collapsed, leading to fatal injuries.
The Importance of Comprehensive Training
These incidents highlight the critical need for continued rigorous health and safety training within the construction industry. Proper training ensures that workers are aware of potential hazards and are equipped with the knowledge to mitigate risks effectively. Regular training sessions, certifications, and continuous professional development are essential components in fostering a safety-first culture on construction sites.
Conclusion
The statistics and incidents from the past year serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks within the construction industry and the fact that there is still more work to do in an affort to aliviate the risks to which construction workers are exposed.
With proactive measures, comprehensive training, and a commitment to safety protocols, it is possible to reduce these risks significantly. However, in order to do so organizations must prioritize the well-being of their workers by investing in robust safety programs and fostering an environment where safety is paramount.
At Goldcross Training, we provide industry-leading CITB health and safety courses tailored to construction professionals at all levels. Our expert trainers ensure you and your team have the knowledge and skills required to work safely and comply with HSE regulations.
Get in touch today to discuss your health and safety training needs or book your required course!
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For more detailed information on workplace fatalities and safety regulations, visit the HSE’s official statistics page.