https://www.thelandsite.co.uk/files/articles/42a5bfccdd6e11ea98240afeec538f48/cin1_3.jpeg 468

Construction Collapse with 2022 Having Highest Number of Deaths at Work Compared to Other Industries

Posted by Construction Industry News Magazine on 14th December 2022 -

title

In the last year, construction was the industry with the highest number of deaths at work, reporting 30 deaths in 2022.  As the weather gets colder and outdoor conditions worsen, construction workers are being warned to take caution. 

The construction industry made up a quarter of fatal injuries to workers in 2022 and the fatal injury rate of 1.63 per 100,000 workers was nearly double sectors such as manufacturing and transportation or storage. 

Falling from height is still the number one cause of fatal and non-fatal incidents in the construction sector – accounting for half of all deaths on site – followed by being struck by a moving vehicle. 

The findings, collated by specialist providers of plant hire in London, Herts Tools, used construction statistics from the Workplace Fatal Injuries report 2022 andHealth and Safety Executive reports from 2018 to 2021. The analysis demonstrates the impact of accidents in the construction industry and how workers and workplaces are being affected.

Every year, there are 61,000 injuries to construction workers in the UK, on average, with a quarter of these caused by slips, trips and falls. 

The total cost of injuries in 2019/20 is estimated at £1.4bn. This accounts for 7% of the total £18.7bn spent on all work-related ill health and injury costs across the UK. The majority of these costs fell upon the injured/ill individuals themselves. 

Stefano Lobban, director at Herts Tools, says: “Though accidents to an extent are inevitable in the construction sector, we must constantly work to reduce them. With fatalities continuing to rise despite the UK having some of the most stringent health and safety rules worldwide, these most recent results highlight how far we still have to go.

“Whether it’s emphasising risks or educating workers to conduct their own risk assessments on the job, training is essential for worker protection. Making sure employees have all the PPE they require, such as helmets, safety goggles, and slip-resistant footwear, is also important. 

“I’m hoping that the industry will take notice of these findings and that the number of incidents will decline in the upcoming year.”

How can companies prevent accidents on construction sites? 

  • Provide training and plan all work at height properly;
  • Use the correct equipment and regularly check it to prevent falls;
  • Avoid slips and trips by keeping floors clean, dry, well-lit and free of obstacles;
  • Clear up spillages quickly, deep cleaning after working hours;
  • Install safety guards on machinery and provide safety goggles;
  • Store heavy objects close to the ground, fit debris nets and outlaw throwing tools.

 

Source information, guides and construction services 

Discover more real estate services and property listings

Browse TLS Insights magazine - Your #1 source for real estate trends, data and insight  December Issue


Nigel Martin

Showcasing excellence in construction.

Link to Construction Industry News Magazine business profile

21st March 2025
The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2025
The Sunday Times Reveals the Best Places to Live in UK 2025
Read more
21st March 2025
Market Moves - What's Hot and What's Not - and Why?
The Landsite sponsors Property Investor Show forthcoming debate this April!
Read more
17th March 2025
Savills Land Deal Set Help Deliver 180 Homes
Work to build 180 new homes in the heart of a Norfolk market town is set to start imminently after developers completed the purchase of the site
Read more