Workplace deaths have fallen sharply in parts of the UK but increased alarmingly in others, according to new analysis of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) data.
Figures examined by Astutis, a global provider of health, safety and environmental training, show that the West Midlands recorded the biggest improvement in workplace safety, with fatalities down by 61.5% between 2019/20 and 2024/25. Wales followed with a 33.3% reduction, while the East Midlands, North East, South West and London also saw declines.
By contrast, Scotland experienced the steepest increase in deaths, with a 136.6% rise over the same period. The South East recorded a 55.6% increase, followed by the North West (50%), East of England (33.3%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (20%).
West Midlands Leads in Workplace Safety Progress
Astutis said the figures point to a “clear divergence” in safety performance across the UK. Regions that have invested in training and awareness appear to have benefited most, while others have seen a worrying rise in fatalities.
The company, which delivers accredited health, safety and environmental training to organisations worldwide, based its findings on data collected between April 2024 and March 2025. The analysis compares workplace deaths in 2019/20 with those in 2024/25 and draws on trends from 2014/15 to provide a 10-year view.
The West Midlands’ significant reduction was matched by continued improvement in Wales, which recorded a one-third fall in fatalities. The East Midlands and North East also made strong progress, suggesting that local investment in safety culture and leadership training may be making a measurable difference.
Scotland’s Fatalities Surge Raises Concern
In contrast, Scotland recorded the sharpest rise in workplace deaths since 2019/20, up by more than 130%. The South East of England saw fatalities climb by over half, with similar upward trends in the North West and East of England.
Observers said that such increases raise serious concerns about the consistency of safety standards across the UK. While the data does not specify the exact causes, the findings suggest that differing levels of investment in training, enforcement and awareness campaigns may be influencing outcomes.
Astutis’ technical director and public health expert, Brenig Moore, said the rise in fatalities in several regions should serve as a warning to employers and policymakers alike.
“It’s extremely disappointing to see that workplace fatalities in these locations have increased in five years,” he said. “We should be maximising efforts and improving health and safety initiatives to prevent loss of lives and loss of loved ones.
“While there are certain areas of the UK seeing increases in fatalities, where more of a focus on training and awareness should be made, it’s good to see that some areas have seen a decrease in fatalities. Every life lost in the workplace should be a huge wake-up call on investments made in health and safety. No amount of money or time is too much when someone’s life is involved.”
Training and Awareness Key to Reducing Deaths
The results show that prioritising health and safety training can play a decisive role in lowering workplace deaths. Regions with the greatest improvement have typically demonstrated a long-term commitment to safety education, management accountability and proactive risk assessment.
Astutis’ decade-long comparison, covering 2014/15, 2019/20 and 2024/25, breaks down data by Standard Industrial Classification sector to identify where progress has been made and where attention is still needed.
The company said that while fatal incidents are comparatively rare, each represents a preventable loss and a need for continued vigilance. Its analysis suggests that effective training, supported by strong leadership and cultural engagement, remains central to reducing deaths across all industries.