45 construction workers were killed due to work-related incidents, making it the sector with the highest fatality rate, according to latest HSE report
Three of the most common causes of fatal injuries at work were falls from height, being struck by a moving object, and being struck by a moving vehicle.
HSE has also revealed that 2,268 people died from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by past exposure to asbestos, in 2021.
As asbestos-related diseases take decades to develop, people suffering today will have likely to have been exposed before the tightening of safety measures in 1999.
Prior to that point, asbestos was used extensively in construction.
The current regulations state that where asbestos is present in buildings it must be managed, maintained in good condition, and stay undisturbed.
HSE’s chief executive Sarah Albon said: “Any loss of life in the workplace is a tragedy.
“While these figures show Great Britain is one of the safest countries in the world to work, safety must continue to be at the top of everyone’s agenda.
“Our mission is to protect people and places and we remain committed to maintaining safe workplaces and holding employers to account for their actions.”
