British businesses have been fined an average of £44.1 million a year for breaching workplace health and safety regulations, according to analysis of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Breathe HR.
The analysis examined HSE records covering workplace health and safety violations and fines across Great Britain between January 2021 and March 2026.
Prosecution numbers increase
While the total value of fines issued in 2025 fell slightly to almost £40.9 million, compared with around £43.9 million in 2024 and below the five year average of £44.1 million, the number of serious health and safety prosecutions continued to increase.
According to the analysis, prosecution charges rose from 428 in 2023 to 446 in 2024 before reaching 496 in 2025.
HSE prosecutions are brought where investigations identify serious breaches of health and safety legislation and legal action is considered to be in the public interest.
So far in 2026, HSE has issued 189 prosecution charges, resulting in almost £2.6 million in fines. Breathe HR suggests that if this rate continues, prosecution numbers for 2026 could exceed those recorded in 2025.
Construction records highest number of prosecutions
The construction sector accounted for the largest share of prosecution charges during 2025, with 190 cases representing 38% of all prosecutions brought by HSE.
In the report which was reported by The HR Director, Breathe HR said the figures indicate that, despite lower overall fine values, businesses should continue to prioritise workplace health and safety to reduce the risk of enforcement action and protect employees.
Largest fine reaches £6 million
The largest single fine issued during 2025 was imposed on Cambridgeshire County Council, which was fined £6 million for breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the primary legislation governing occupational health and safety in Great Britain.
Phil Coxon, Managing Director at Breathe HR, said: “Reviewing health and safety policies and risks might not be the most glamorous task on employers’ to do lists’, but our research shows it’s not something leaders can afford to overlook.
“Prosecution charges for health and safety violations are rising year on year, with businesses racking up millions in fines. Businesses must do more to prevent serious health and safety failures and protect their people from harm.
“Robust health and safety initiatives are also essential for preserving the health of the business, especially in this economy. SMEs, in particular, are feeling the effects of the current harsh economic headwinds and rising operating costs.
“An unexpected fine could be enough to sink some SME ships. To safeguard staff and avoid hefty fines, businesses must act now to shore up their health and safety practices.”
