Charity urges action to address ‘silent epidemic’ of accidental deaths

A charity has called for action to address a “silent epidemic” of accidental deaths, as figures show the number of fatalities has risen by 61% over the last 10 years.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said there are now more than 2,500 accidental deaths each year in Scotland – the highest death rate of all the UK nations.

The group said falls account for 42% of all accidental deaths, with people in Scotland 45% more likely to die from a fall than those elsewhere in the UK, while there are also “significant risks” around roads and water.

Ahead of May’s Holyrood election, the charity has called on the next government to treat accident prevention as an “urgent public health and economic issue”.

It said accidents cost the NHS billions each year and remove thousands of people from the workforce, and pointed out that people from more deprived areas are more likely to suffer accidents, compounding other health inequalities.

RoSPA chief executive Rebecca Hickman said: “Scotland is facing a silent epidemic of accidental deaths, and the scale of harm is now impossible to ignore.

“Every statistic represents a person whose life could have been saved with proven interventions.

The charity has also published a manifesto setting out what it says are “evidence-led measures” to reduce deaths and serious injuries across roads, homes, workplaces and water environments.

The proposals include safer home design standards, mandatory driver eyesight testing, strengthened motorcycle safety provision, and mandatory water safety education in schools.

RoSPA said implementing these could prevent avoidable deaths while easing pressure on Scotland’s public services.

Ms Hickman continued: “Accidents are not inevitable. With clear national leadership and consistent standards across Scotland, we can significantly reduce preventable harm.

“RoSPA’s proposals give policymakers the tools they need to act quickly and effectively.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We continue to work with partners to help reduce and prevent unintentional harm and injury, with a particular focus on groups most at risk – babies and children under five, people over 65 and those living in the most deprived communities.

“NHS Inform provides information on how to prevent falls by identifying hazards at home. In addition, we continue to support the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to improve water safety and prevent accidental deaths from drowning with funding of £99,000 in 2026-27.”