A new report from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) reveals worrying figures about accidental deaths in Somerset, highlighting the urgent need for action.

The South-West had the third-highest rate of accidental deaths in England in 2022, with 1,981 fatalities across the region, including 174 in Somerset.

The report, Safer Lives, Stronger Nation, reveals that the South-West's accidental death rate stands at 34.36 per 100,000 people, 17% higher than the national average. In Somerset, the rate is 30.0 per 100,000 people. Nationally, accidental deaths have risen by 42% over the last decade, with accidents now the second-biggest killer of people under 40.

A crisis at home and beyond

Accidents in the home account for over half (55%) of all accidental deaths, making it the most dangerous place for preventable fatalities. Falls are the leading cause of accidental deaths, responsible for 46% of cases, followed by poisonings (26%) and road traffic incidents (7%). In Somerset, the trends reflect national patterns, with falls and home-related accidents posing significant risks.

RoSPA's Chief Executive, Becky Hickman, described the findings as a public health crisis. "The UK is facing an accident crisis. We are all substantially more likely to suffer a serious accident today than we were 20 years ago. We must take action now to stop further preventable deaths and serious injuries—accidents are avoidable and do not need to happen."

She added, "Even those who have never been involved in an accident are still suffering, as increasing numbers of accidents are choking the UK economy and engulfing the NHS—taking up bed space, money, time, and resources that could be directed to other serious illnesses."

The cost of accidents to the UK

Preventable accidents cost the UK economy an estimated £12 billion annually, including £6 billion in NHS medical care and £5.9 billion from lost working days. In 2022 alone, accidents accounted for over 7 million visits to A&E and nearly 29 million lost working days—ten times more than those lost to strikes in the same year.

Dr James Broun, Research Manager at RoSPA and author of the report, said: "Our major review of all accident data uncovers the full scale and true cost of accidents for the very first time. Accidents aren't currently monitored or recorded to the same extent as other health issues, but the findings are alarming. Accident rates across the UK are rising steeply. We've brought together this data to reveal the reality of this crisis and to impress upon the Government that action must be taken to reverse rising accident figures."

The call for a National Accident Prevention Strategy

RoSPA is urging the Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to address the issue. The proposed strategy would include cross-departmental collaboration, led by a dedicated minister, to tackle accidents in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. The aim is to save lives, boost the economy, and free up resources within the NHS.

"We are calling for a National Accident Prevention Strategy to make the UK a safer place to live," said Ms Hickman. "For too long, we have accepted the economic and social consequences of accidents, and we're still paying the price."

Dan Evans, Chief Executive of Speedy Hire, echoed the urgency of addressing the issue. "People are far more likely to suffer a serious accident at home than they are at work. Both the cost of accidents to peoples' personal lives and to businesses is far too high, so we must act now to keep people safe and support economic growth."

RoSPA's report emphasises that accidents are preventable with the right strategies in place. "By implementing a National Accident Prevention Strategy, problems can be tackled at their core, with a joined-up approach to cover all types of accidents," said Ms Hickman. "This will enable us to strengthen data collection, address inequalities, and ensure safety for all."