North Ayrshire has been identified as one of the most dangerous places to work in Scotland, according to new data from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). The figures, published in two lists, show the region ranks second for non-fatal injuries, with 397 people injured per 100,000 workers, compared to the national average of 234.
Fatal accident rates more than double national average
South Ayrshire is 11th on the same list of non-fatal injuries with 285, while East Ayrshire is 20th with 258. The rate of fatal workplace accidents is also more than double the national average, with hazardous jobs such as construction and manufacturing thought to be behind the rise in accident rates.
Darrell Kaye, Partner at Digby Brown Solicitors in Ayr and expert in workplace accident claims, said: "It is simply unacceptable that in 2026 we have people being injured at work or not coming home at all.
"For nearly 100 years there has been health and safety rules to protect workers. Yet the HSE data suggests these life-saving measures are not being followed and the locations where the most tragedies happen are a real concern.
"We cannot have employers gambling with workers' right to safety."
HSE data highlights regional disparities
The accident rates for each local authority area in Scotland were published online earlier this summer. HSE bosses found that for every 100,000 workers an average of 234 people suffered a non-fatal injury at work, with North Ayrshire the second worst of all 32 council areas with a rate of 397.
The national average death rate per 100,000 workers was 0.93, yet for North Ayrshire this is 2.41. The rate for South Ayrshire is 1.97 (8th on the list), with East Ayrshire at 1.89 (9th on the list). Argyll & Bute was the worst in both categories, and Edinburgh, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire were the only regions below the national average for deaths.
Recent tragedies in the region
Ardrossan dad Derek Russell died at work in January this year following a workplace accident at a demolition site, and the tragedy remains under investigation. In 2018, a man was left fighting for his life after being electrocuted while carrying out a repair at Kilwinning Academy. In April 2002, road worker John Woods died after being crushed by heavy machinery at Ardeer.
Ms Kaye added: "Each job, workplace and industry has its own set of safety standards that employers must follow by law. There is no acceptable reason for corners to be cut.
"It doesn't matter if there's a tight deadline to meet or if doing things 'by the book' seems to make the task slower.
"Harnesses, hard hats, manual lifting processes, the inspection and maintenance of machinery, pedestrian walkways, risk assessments... they all exist for a reason - to keep people safe.
"Over the last 30 years we've helped countless families with fatal workplace accident claims where we've seen the most basic of failings from employers resulting in families losing their loved ones, which is devastating. It simply can't continue.
"Work is about earning while giving up your time – not your life."
