The HSE have just released another year of safety incident data. The trend is worrying: fatalities in the UK construction sector have increased by 20% in 2023/24 compared to the annual average over the past five years. This alarming rise undermines the urgent need for more effective safety measures. Traditional approaches to risk management are proving insufficient in the face of persistent hazards. Nowhere is this more telling than when workers are working at height—the leading cause of fatalities, accounting for over half of all deaths in the sector.
Understanding the trends: A call to action
The increase in workplace fatalities is a reminder of the critical need for action. Despite heightened awareness and compliance efforts, safety practices in many sectors have plateaued. Traditional methods of risk assessment and incident management struggle to keep pace with dynamic, high-pressure work environments. In this context, embracing innovative technologies becomes not just an option but a necessity.
The role of technology in bridging the gap
Emerging technologies offer promising solutions to address the underlying causes of workplace incidents and mitigate risks in real time. These tools are particularly effective in tackling the persistent challenges that plague high-risk industries:
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Real-time risk detection: AI-driven systems can identify hazards on worksites instantly, allowing teams to act before accidents occur. For example, detecting unsecured guardrails or improper equipment use can prevent falls from height—the leading cause of fatal injuries.
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Proactive safety management: Utilising real-time visibility to effectively coach and intervene before issues arise. Proactive supervision is essential to ensure projects are executed safely. .
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Enhanced communication: Safety requires seamless coordination between field teams and supervisors. Real-time updates and simplified reporting systems ensure that hazards are flagged and addressed without delay.
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Worker fatigue monitoring: Fatigue is a silent yet significant risk. By tracking work hours and providing alerts, technology helps manage workloads and prevent mistakes caused by exhaustion.
Overcoming barriers to progress
The increase in fatalities and the stagnation of safety improvements point to systemic issues, including over-reliance on static, manual safety processes and limited use of data to inform decision-making. Cultural resistance to change also plays a role; in many industries, safety tools are seen as burdensome rather than beneficial. FYLD led a research project with HSE on barriers to technology adoption - The general industry understanding is that technology can minimise the risk of fatalities, but organisations are resistant to implementing technologies. FYLD's AI-powered platform has detected 16,352 hazards for construction companies, proactively preventing potential incidents and fostering safer work environments.
Addressing these barriers requires a shift in mindset. Technology must be viewed not as a replacement for human expertise but as a tool that empowers workers and enhances their ability to make safe decisions. When implemented thoughtfully, these innovations can reduce administrative burdens, improve compliance, and foster a culture of trust and accountability.
A call to action: Prioritising safety as a core value
The human and economic costs of workplace incidents are staggering. The construction sector alone loses 2.5 million working days annually to injury and illness, with an estimated financial impact of £1.4 billion. Beyond these figures are the lives irrevocably changed by preventable accidents.
It’s time for industries to take a stand. Adopting advanced safety technologies is not about ticking boxes—it’s about creating work environments where every individual is valued and protected. The tools exist; what’s needed is the will to deploy them and the commitment to continuous improvement.
Building a safer future with FYLD
The 20% rise in workplace fatalities is a wake-up call for industries where safety is paramount. High-risk sectors such as construction and utilities must act decisively to reverse this trend. Leveraging innovative tools like FYLD is one way to drive meaningful change, enhancing safety through proactive, data-driven solutions. One of our customers achieved an impressive Recordable Incident Rate (RIR) of 0.53, showcasing how FYLD’s AI-driven platform empowers teams to work smarter, safer, and more efficiently while prioritizing safety and compliance.
FYLD bridges the gap in safety management by integrating real-time risk detection, predictive analytics, and streamlined communication. With tools like Video Risk Assessments (VRAs), teams can identify and address hazards on the spot, ensuring that risks are mitigated before they lead to incidents. This AI-powered approach fosters a proactive safety culture, reducing both fatal and non-fatal injuries across industries.
The goal is clear: no worker should have to risk their life to earn a living. FYLD is helping organisations realize this vision by turning safety data into actionable insights, ensuring teams work smarter and safer. Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast focus on safety, FYLD is enabling industries to create workplaces where safety is not just a priority but a standard.
With FYLD, the path to a safer future is within reach—one where every worker can return home safely at the end of the day. Contact FYLD today to learn how our platform can help you drive proactive safety and operational excellence.
