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Workplace HSE Statistics Provide Valuable Insight

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published the latest annual statistics, for 2023/24, on work-related ill health and injury on November 20th. In our latest blog we dive into some key findings.

Overall, the HSE statistics show that the number of workers reported to be suffering from work-related ill health during the year 2023/24 is 1.7 million, a slight decline from the previous year when the figure was 1.8 million. The rate of self-reported wok-related ill health remains very similar to the previous year but the current work-absence rate is still notably higher than it was in 2018/19 - pre-pandemic.

Summary of Key Statistics for Great Britain

The latest collection of statistics from the HSE reflect both encouraging trends alongside some persistent risks. While the UK continues to be one of the safest countries for workers, there is still much that can be done to improve workplace safety.

Here are some of the key statistics derived from this latest report.

• 1.7 million workers were suffering from work-related ill health in 2023/24.
• There were 776,000 cases of work-related, stress, depression or anxiety.
• 543,000 cases of work-related musculo-skeletal disorders were recorded.
• There were 138 workers killed in work-related accidents in 2023/24.
• The Labour Force Survey reported 604,000 non-fatal injuries at work.

In 2023/24, a staggering 33.7 million working days were lost due to work-related ill health and workplace non-fatal injury.

The annual cost of workplace injury and new cases of work related ill-health in 2022/23 was found to have been £21.6 billion.

Work Related Fatalities by Sector

In 2023/24 138 workers were sadly killed in work related accidents, according to RIDDOR (the Reporting of Incidents, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). The following table details the number of fatalities for each industry sector in 2023/24. Construction, agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors continue to account for the highest number of workers killed in fatal work-related incidents.

Industry Sector	Fatalities 2023/24
Construction	51
Agriculture, forestry and fishing	23
Manufacturing	16
Admin and Support Services	12
Transportation and Storage	11
Wholesale, retail, motor repair; Accommodation and food	9
Waste and recycling	4
Other	12

Male workers continue to be at highest risk of work-related fatalities with 95% of those who died in 2023/24 being men. Notably, death to workers over the age of 60 continues to be a significant proportion of the total at 34%.

Fatal accidents at work over this period include:

• Falls from height: 50 deaths
• Struck by moving vehicle: 25 deaths
• Struck by moving object: 20 deaths.
• Trapped by something collapsing or overturning: 15 deaths.
• Contact with moving machinery: 8 deaths.

It is important to recognise that the rate of fatal injuries to workers has shown a downward trend, although in recent years the rate has been broadly flat.

Increase in Non-Fatal Injuries

The number of workers sustaining non-fatal injuries in 2023/24 was 604,000, an increase from 561,000 in the previous year. Slips, trips and falls continue to be the most common cause, accounting for 34% of all non-fatal workplace injuries.

The upward trend in non-fatal injuries is a cause for concern. While slips, trips and falls might be seen as minor, the impact can be very serious. Manual handling is another significant cause of non-fatal injuries, along with being struck by a moving object.

Greater awareness and preventative measures in the workplace should have resulted in a declining trend in non-fatal injuries. But the apparent year-on-year increase shows that more needs to be done.
Sectors with the Highest Levels of Work Related Ill Health
The latest HSE report reveals the industries that experienced the highest proportion of work-related ill health were:

• Human health and Social work
• Public administration
• Education.

Around 1.8% of workers in health and social care have experienced injury due to their workplace. While this may appear to be a low proportion the actual figure is 74,000 workers affected in a year. And notably, around one third of these injuries resulted in the worker being off work for over 7 days.

The most common injuries experienced by workers in health and social care include:

• Slips, trips and falls
• Acts of violent assault
• Lifting, carrying and handling accidents
• Moving, falling or flying objects
• Falls from heights
• Striking something fixed
• Moving vehicles
• Exposure to harmful substances
• Contact with machinery
• Injury by an animal.

Sadly, around one health and social care worker dies every year due to work-related injury.

Opportunities for Improvement

Its apparent that while the overall picture of health and safety in UK workplaces remains relatively positive there is still much that can be done to mitigate risks and improve workplace safety.

It is vitally important to recognise the industry and sector-specific risks and make certain risk assessments and mitigation measures are tailored appropriately. Sector specific safety training and equipment are vital for employees.

Work-related stress and mental health conditions are a significant concern for employers across many sectors. It therefore makes sense to invest in employee wellness programs and provide mental health support that will help prevent long-term absence and boost worker happiness and productivity.

The implementation of proactive safety measures in the workplace should be a priority. As noted in this latest report, the number of non-fatal injuries has increased year-on-year and at the top of the list of causes is slips, trips and falls. Practical safety measures need taken to minimise the risk of workers being injured in this way.

Similarly, any work environment in which workers are required to lift and carry needs to ensure that workers know how to do this safely, without straining themselves or putting anyone at risk. And busy environments where vehicles such as forklifts, platform trucks, hoists and trolleys are commonly used, must ensure the equipment is always used safely and all staff are fully trained in how to stay safe.

Safety in the Workplace Products

There are many excellent and low cost products available today that can make working environments far safer for anyone in them. Here are some suggestions.

Industrial Mirrors and Warehouse Mirrors

Convex safety mirrors, considerately located around busy warehouses and industrial sites, significantly improve safety and boost productivity. Locating these unbreakable mirrors at busy intersections, both indoors and outside, reduces the risk of collisions and helps workers do their work with confidence.

 

Door Hinge Finger Protector Guards

Sadly many people, often children, suffer painful and sometimes serious injury due to fingers being trapped and squashed in door hinge cavities. The potential for these accidents is massively reduced, at very little cost, by installing Finger Protector Door Hinge Cover Strips. Any environment where there is the possibility of trapping fingers in door hinge cavities should install these.

 

Electrical Socket Protectors

Any location used by youngsters or vulnerable people needs to pay attention to their electrical outlets. And electrical outlets in some environments need to be protected against being splashed or food debris getting into them.

Low cost Socket Pro safety covers are another low cost, highly effective safety enhancement that prevents children and others from tampering with sockets while protecting them against moisture and debris.

 

Another electrical safety precaution is to prevent essential equipment from being turned off at the supply socket. Lockable socket covers are the answer. These covers protect electrical sockets and prevent the sockets from being turned off (or on) without permission.

Dealing with Bird Mess

The mess created by roosting birds can be very slippery, especially when rained on. As the latest HSE report has noted, slips, trips and falls are at the top of the non-fatal workplace injuries list. It therefore makes sense to pay attention to bird poop making walkways slippery and dangerous.

 

Luckily there is a highly effective and widely applauded bird deterrent that’s easily deployed and works immediately. Considerately located dishes of bird free fire gel will prompt roosting birds to find a new roosting location. And suitable disinfectant can be used to clean away their mess.

Warning Signs

Considerately deployed warning signage, advising people about risks and the need for safety wear for example, is another valuable safety precaution that doesn’t cost very much and is very effective. People need to be continually reminded of the need to pay attention to safety in the workplace so a few warning and advisory signs can make a lot of difference.

Workplace Access Control

Workplace management often involves strict control over who has access to various areas and resources. Key management is therefore vitally important. Key Safety and Security Cabinets are enormously beneficial in ensuring rigorous access control.

 

 The use of appropriately robust locks and security in workplace environments is also very important. Padlocks, hasps and chains need to be secure, well maintained and always locked to prevent non-permitted access.

 

Another essential aspect of workplace access management is perimeter security. If intruders gain access to a workplace they can make the environment unsafe for those who work there. It therefore makes sense to pay attention to perimeter security. Installing appropriate anti-climb protection around the perimeter and on any assets that need protection, makes sense. Also, bolstering window safety and security by installing window security bars and window restrictors can be beneficial.

 

If you have any questions about your workplace safety and security needs, or if you have any special requirements, remember we are here to help. Give us a ca ll on 01273 475500 and we’ll provide you with free, expert advice.

This message was added on Thursday 2nd January 2025