Workers in UK’s most dangerous industry to be affected by EU safety regulation removal
According to Go.Compare’s research, 31% of workplace fatalities happened in the construction industry. Agriculture came in second, with farmers making up 19% of all workplace fatalities.[1]
It revealed that builders hold the most dangerous job role, comprising 13% of all fatalities at work between 2017 and 2022. Within the construction industry, roofers were particularly at risk, alongside specialised installers, civil engineers, painters and decorators.
Other industries that topped the risky list included manufacturing and factory work, waste management and rubbish collection, mechanics, engineers and freight transport/haulage. The research also shockingly revealed that painters and decorators are in greater danger at work than electricians or demolition workers.
This may be because falling from a height is the most common cause of death at work, with over 25% of fatalities attributed to falls. Explosions and electricity meanwhile, accounted for a lesser 1.9% and 4.2% respectively.
Matt Sanders, life insurance expert at Go.Compare, commented on the findings: “Workers in risky industries might want to think about specialist life insurance for their job. If you work in an industry or job considered risky due to the use of certain machinery or the nature of the work you’re doing, you may need to take out a bespoke life policy for people that pose a higher risk.
“If you’re unsure which type of policy you need, you can compare life insurance quotes with us online, helping you make plans for after you’re gone that won’t stop you from enjoying life while you’re here.”
Devon is the riskiest county to work in, with 8.7% of fatal work accidents taking place there. Next on the list was Greater London, making up 7.8% of deaths at work between 2021 and 2022.
One reason for these high numbers could be because over 30% of construction firms and employees are concentrated around London and the South East of England.[2]
In contrast, the safest place to work in the UK seems to be the North East. Only 0.96% of workplace tragedies happened here, making the likes of Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham a good choice for workers.