‘Crisis’ warning as number of accidental deaths in UK reaches all-time high

The number of accidental deaths in the UK has reached an all-time high, according to a new report.

People are now “substantially more likely” to suffer a serious accident than they were 20 years ago, according to the new data.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) warned the country is “facing an accident crisis” after data showed a UK-wide rise of 42% in accidental deaths over the last decade, with more than 20,000 people killed each year.

Accidents have become the top cause of preventable death for people under 40 with more than half of fatal accidents taking place in the home.

The study also found that accidents cost the UK almost £12bn every year – £6bn in the NHS and £5.9bn in lost working days.

Brian Whitnall was left in hospital for six days after he accidentally chopped off two toes while mowing his lawn earlier this year.

The 50-year-old sales manager underwent two operations after the accident but the toes couldn’t be saved.

He said: “It was a warm Sunday and my partner Rachel was jetwashing the drive while I was cutting the grass.

“As I was walking with my lawnmower, I stepped backwards and my foot caught on the stairs leading up to my grandson’s trampoline.

“Next thing I’m falling backwards.

“Rather than letting go of the handle, which would have turned off the engine, I grabbed it tighter to try and steady myself and brought the lawnmower towards me.

“I felt a searing heat in my right foot and knew straight away that I’d lopped off some toes.”

Mr Whitnall was taken to hospital where doctors told him they would not be able to re-attach the severed toes.

After wearing a protective boot for several weeks, he’s now hoping to return to work soon.

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Accident-related hospital admissions for serious injuries were up 48% in the last two decades in England alone.

Accidental deaths were up by 40% in England, 60% in Scotland, 42% in Wales and 67% in Northern Ireland since 2013.

Almost half (46%) of accidental deaths in 2022 resulted from falls, the report found, with 26% from poisoning and 7% transport-related or due to a road traffic accident.

RoSPA chief executive Becky Hickman said: “We must take action now to stop further preventable deaths and serious injuries – accidents are avoidable and do not need to happen.

“The UK is facing an accident crisis.”