FORESTRY was among the sectors to record the highest rate of deaths in work-related accidents in the UK last year. 

New figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showed there were 7.87 fatal incidents in agriculture, forestry and fishing per 100,000 workers - around three more than second-ranked waste.

A total of 21 deaths were recorded in the three sectors – which are grouped together by the HSE – in the year between April 2022 and March 2023. Construction (45 deaths), manufacturing (15), and transportation and storage (15) were among the other industries included in the annual data. 

READ MORE: Full breakdown of forestry fatalities released by HSE

However, deaths had fallen in agriculture, forestry and fishing from the previous yearly figure of 22 and were lower than the five-year average, which stands at 26. 

Across the UK, 135 workers were killed in work-related accidents, according to the HSE. 

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.”

The three most common causes of fatal injuries were falls from height (40), being struck by a moving object (29), and being struck by a moving vehicle (20).

The total of 135 worker deaths in 2022/23 was higher than the previous year (123) but is in line with pre-pandemic levels. The figure for 2020/21 was 145.

A report detailing which fatalities relate to forestry only is likely to be released by the HSE later this month.