According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 124 workers lost their lives in work-related incidents across Great Britain in 2024/25, a 10.1% decrease compared to the previous year.

While the longer-term trend shows a 44.4% decline in fatalities over the past 20 years, the rate of improvement has plateaued in the last decade, prompting calls for urgent intervention.

Steve Robinson, QHSE Manager at Tadweld says:

“The numbers are better than they were two decades ago – but 124 deaths in a single year is clearly still too many. With projections estimating 1,300 additional fatalities in the next 10 years unless we act now, the time for complacency is over.”

Manufacturing remains a major risk zone

In the manufacturing sector – which includes factories – there were 11 fatal injuries in 2024/25, down from 16 the year before. This represents a 56% reduction from 2004/05, but Tadweld warns that the figure remains significant, particularly given the hazardous nature of industrial environments.

Steve adds:

“Factory environments often involve working at height, using heavy machinery, and operating in confined or high-risk areas. Without safe access equipment and rigorous safety standards, accidents can – and do – happen.”

Tanker Loading Incidents

Tadweld also highlights the often-overlooked dangers of tanker loading operations, where lack of fall protection, poor hose handling systems, and unsafe access can be fatal.

Steve Robinson, QHSE Manager, Tadweld

It is estimated there are 6 tanker-related fatalities annually in the UK, but with proactive interventions – including fall prevention systems, improved access platforms and better training – this number could be reduced.

In 2024/25, 15 worker deaths occurred in the transportation and storage sector, where tanker operations are common.

Falls from height (35 deaths) and struck-by-vehicle incidents (14 deaths) remain among the leading causes – directly relevant to tanker environments.

“It only takes one misstep or poorly managed hose to change – or end – a life. These are preventable tragedies,” Tadweld stated.

Fatalities Extend Beyond the Workplace

Notably, 92 members of the public also died due to work-related incidents in 2024/25 – a 13.5% increase on the previous year. This rise underscores the need for better safety protections not just for workers, but for all those exposed to industrial environments, including contractors, delivery staff, and the general public.

Spotlight on Food & Catering Industries

The data also reveals a 33.3% rise in fatalities in the food and accommodation sectors, where 12 deaths were recorded in 2024/25. Despite historical progress, this sector remains 2–3 times more dangerous than others such as retail or office-based work.

Tadweld’s Call to Action

In response to the new figures, Tadweld is launching its “Safe Access – Safer Factories” campaign, focused on three core pillars:

Awareness: Educating employers on the risks of unsafe access, particularly in manufacturing and tanker-related environments.

Action: Encouraging investment in certified access equipment, tanker loading platforms, and compliance with HSE standards.

Accountability: Promoting a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility – from directors to operators.
Tadweld stresses that solutions are already available. “We have the knowledge, the equipment, and the guidelines,” the company stated. “But unless businesses put them into practice – consistently – more lives will be lost.”