Being struck by a vehicle remains one of the most serious, and avoidable, risks facing workers in the UK. The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that 14 workers lost their lives in 2024–2025 after being hit by a moving vehicle in the workplace.

That’s 14 people who never made it home.

Vehicle Safety: A Silent Danger on Site

Whether it’s a forklift reversing in a warehouse, a delivery van moving through a busy yard, or poor segregation between people and plant, workplace transport is a risk that too often goes overlooked until it's too late.

The HSE is urging all employers to take a fresh look at their transport safety measures, and has updated its online guidance to make it easier than ever to access practical, straightforward advice.

Visit the HSE Workplace Transport Safety Hub

What the Numbers Really Mean

The latest figures show that 14 workers were killed in 2024–2025 after being struck by a moving vehicle at work. But those aren’t just statistics.

That’s 14 lives lost — each one affecting an estimated 50 to 125 people.
Behind every fatality is a ripple effect of grieving families, traumatised colleagues, and communities left to cope with the consequences.

The human cost goes far beyond the individual. It’s a wake-up call for every business that operates vehicles on site.

What Does the HSE Guidance Cover?

The HSE has created a wide range of free resources to help employers improve standards across their sites, including guidance on:

• Vehicle safety – How to ensure vehicles are suitable, maintained and operated safely
• Site safety – How to plan safe traffic routes, pedestrian segregation, and visual controls
• Lift trucks – Specific advice for rider-operated equipment and operator responsibilities

You can download the key publications directly:

A Guide to Workplace Transport Safety (HSG136)
Workplace Transport Safety – A Brief Guide (INDG199)
Approved Code of Practice: Rider-Operated Lift Trucks (L117)

What Can Employers Do Right Now?

At Essential Site Skills, we know how difficult it can be to manage multiple moving parts on a busy site. But transport safety cannot be treated as an afterthought. It needs to be embedded into every stage of the operation, from design and planning, to training and supervision.

Here are 3 immediate actions you can take:

1. Review your site layout – Are vehicles and pedestrians properly segregated?
2. Assess your fleet – Are vehicles fit for purpose and well-maintained?
3. Train your workforce – Have your drivers, banksmen, and supervisors had the right training?

We offer a full range of training and support, including:

• Lift truck and plant training
• Site safety awareness and vehicle marshalling
• Risk assessments and traffic management planning

Supporting Workers Beyond the Site: The Lighthouse Charity

At Essential Site Skills, we know that safety isn’t just about preventing accidents, it’s also about supporting those affected when things go wrong.

That’s why we proudly support the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, the only charity dedicated to the emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families.

Whether someone is dealing with trauma after a workplace incident, facing financial hardship, or simply needs to talk, the Lighthouse Charity is there, 24/7.

If someone you know has been affected by a transport-related incident, help is available:

• Call the Construction Industry Helpline: 0345 605 1956
• Download the free Construction Industry Helpline app
• Visit www.lighthouseclub.org

“Sometimes it’s not just about safety training, it’s about knowing someone has your back when you need it most.”

We encourage all our partners and clients to raise awareness of the Lighthouse Charity across their sites and workplaces.

Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call

These 14 fatalities are more than just numbers in a report, they are people who didn’t go home at the end of their shift. The consequences stretch far beyond the individual loss.

The HSE’s message is clear: Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Take action now.

If you're unsure where to start, we're here to help. From tailored training solutions to expert safety advice, Essential Site Skills is committed to helping you build a safer site for everyone.