A worker wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)

Health and safety breaches cost British businesses £44m per year in fines

Research following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has revealed the financial impact of workplace health and safety breaches across Great Britain.

Analysis of data obtained by Breathe HR shows that businesses were fined an average of £44.1 million annually between January 2021 and March 2026,

The findings also highlight a steady increase in prosecution charges over the past three years, reinforcing the importance of effective health and safety management and ensuring firms meet their legal responsibilities.

Prosecutions charges keep rising

The number of health and safety breaches resulting in prosecution charges has consistently risen in recent years.

In 2023, there were 428 prosecution charges, rising to 446 in 2024 and 496 in 2025.

The construction industry accounted for the largest proportion of 2025 charges, representing 38 per cent of the total.

According to HSE’s 2025/26 workplace fatality statistics, construction also recorded the highest number of worker deaths, with 25 fatalities.

These findings and figures reinforce the importance of identifying hazards within the workplace, reviewing safety procedures regularly and ensuring effective control measures are implemented.

Significant financial penalties

The consequence of failing to meet health and safety obligations can be colossal.

During the first three months of 2026, a total of 189 prosecution charges were issued by the HSE. Those charges, collectively, cost businesses nearly £2.6 million in fines.

Should prosecution charges continue at the latest rate throughout 2026, the total fines for this calendar year could well exceed last year’s figure.

However, prosecutions and convictions do not necessarily occur within the same year as incidents as investigations and legal proceedings can take considerable time.

Proactive health and safety management

It can be a challenge to effectively maintain health and safety management systems, especially as businesses grow and workplace risks evolve.

However, taking a proactive approach and getting the basics right can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of financial penalties and enforcement action, as well as protecting employees.

Supporting safer workplaces

These figures underline the importance of managing workplace risks. At Aegis, we are committed to helping businesses create safer, healthier environments for their teams.

Since 1995, Aegis has supported around 900 clients on more than 6,000 projects. We operate nationally and have built up a reputation for excellence in the services that we provide.

Contact us today on 01772 736522 to learn more about how Aegis can support your organisation in meeting its health and safety responsibilities, with our comprehensive services.

A review of the 2025/26 HSE workplace fatality statistics

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its latest workplace fatality statistics for 2025/2026, providing an important insight into the risks faced by workers across Great Britain.

Every year the HSE publishes a set of statistics relating to work-related fatalities from accidents.

The latest figures show that Great Britain remains one of the safest places in the world to work. However, workplace fatalities remain a significant concern, reinforcing the importance of effective health and safety management across all sectors.

Workplace fatalities fall, but risks remain

The analysis shows that 126 workers lost their lives in work-related accidents across Great Britain in 2025/2026. Excluding the years affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, this is provisionally the lowest annual figure recorded.

Construction once again recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 25 deaths. Agriculture, forestry and fishing followed, reporting 22 fatalities – sectors historically associated with higher risk due to the nature of their work.

There were also 2,146 mesothelioma deaths recorded in 2024 because of previous exposure to asbestos – highlighting the continuing impact of occupational diseases. While a reduction overall is shown, the figures demonstrate the ongoing need for businesses to identify risks and implement preventative measures.

Older workers face increased risks

Workers aged 60 and over accounted for around a third of all workplace fatalities (40 deaths), despite representing just 12% of the workforce.

This highlights the importance of businesses paying particular attention to older workers and others who may be more vulnerable, particularly where tasks involve physically demanding activities.

Employers should ensure that risk assessments consider individual capabilities and make appropriate adjustments where necessary to protect workers.

Leading causes of fatal workplace injuries

The most common causes of fatal injuries in 2025/26 were:

  • Falls from height – 31 fatalities
    Being struck by a moving vehicle – 24 fatalities
    Being struck by a moving object – 21 fatalities

Falls from height remained the leading cause, accounting for almost a quarter of worker deaths.

Supporting safer workplaces

The 2025/26 figures demonstrate that, despite long-term improvements, businesses must remain vigilant and proactive in managing health and safety risks.

Effective health and safety management is about protecting people, supporting productivity and building resilient organisations.

At Aegis, we are committed to helping businesses create safer, healthier environments for their teams.

Contact us today on 01772 736522 to learn more about our comprehensive health and safety services, and how we can support your organisation in meeting its health and safety responsibilities in 2026 and beyond.