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 20 years ago, according to new data.

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

Accidents have become the leading preventable cause of death for people under 40, with more than half of fatal accidents occurring in the home.

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

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

The 50-year-old sales manager underwent two operations after the accident, but his toes could not be saved.

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

“While riding the lawnmower, I took a step back and caught my foot on the steps leading to my nephew’s trampoline.

“Next thing, I’m going to fall backwards.

“Instead of letting go of the handle, which would have stopped the engine, I gripped it harder to try to steady myself and brought the mower towards me.

“I felt a burning heat in my right foot and knew immediately that I had cut some toes.”

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

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

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In England alone, accident-related hospital admissions for serious injuries have risen by 48% over the past two decades.

Accidental deaths have increased 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% from transport or a road accident.

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

“Britain is facing an accident crisis”.