Health and Safety Update: 2024/25 Statistics on Workplace Injuries and Work-Related Ill Health Published

Today, the Health and Safety Executive has published statistics in relation to workplace injuries and work-related ill health for 2024/25. 

According to the HSE's statistics, there are an estimated 1.9 million workers currently suffering from work-related ill health in Great Britain. The ill health is classified as being work related because they consider that their illness was caused or made worse by their work. Of those workers, 52% are said to suffer from stress, depression or anxiety, 27% are said to suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, and 21% from other types of illness. Interestingly, a number of industries had significantly higher rates than others, in particular the education sector, human health and social work activities, along with public administration and defence. Given that over half of the reported illnesses are mental health related, considerations in respect of workplace health and safety must go beyond the physical. That being said, most employers are well aware that it is no longer enough to just provide PPE, and many already participate in the Mental Health First Aider scheme. 

In 2024/25, there were 59,219 injuries reported to the HSE via RIDDOR. There were also 680,000 non-fatal injuries sustained at work in the same time period, which were self-reported through the Labour Force Survey rather than to the HSE. With regards to these injuries, the highest statistics were in the construction, accommodation/food services and transportation/storage sectors. This follows on from the finding that the construction industry accounted for the greatest number of workplace fatalities in 2024/25, which you can read more about in our previous article. The results of the Labour Force Survey raise the serious question of whether workplaces are significantly under-reporting injuries via RIDDOR, and indicates that there may need to be updated guidance and a greater awareness with regards to notifiable incidents. Employers and business owners should carefully consider their obligations under RIDDOR when an incident occurs, and seek legal advice where necessary. 

Whilst the health impact is of course a serious concern, the business impact of injuries and illness is also something to bear in mind. It is reported that there were 40.1 million working days lost due to work-related illness/injury, and the cost of injuries and ill-health from working conditions was estimated to be £22.9 billion in 2023/24. 

Finally, employers must also consider the legal consequences of breaching health and safety obligations, including the obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees at work, so far as is reasonably practicable. It should be noted that in 2023/2024, the HSE completed 248 criminal prosecutions with a high conviction rate of 92%. 

For further information on this subject, please contact Kathryn Kligerman and Yaasica Hamilton-Haye.