Workplace Injuries in the UK & How to Avoid Them

Ensuring employees' health and safety helps maintain a productive work environment and protects companies from legal liabilities and financial losses.

By understanding the UK data on workplace injuries and adhering to compliance standards, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries.

We've pulled together key insights from our analysis of data from the Health and Safety Executive (the British health and safety regulator) and some actionable steps for businesses to enhance their workplace safety.

Understanding health & safety professionals' role

Based on our analysis of FTSE 250 companies, we found that one health and safety professional is typically responsible for the safety of 99 employees. This highlights these professionals' significant role in maintaining a safe work environment.

Furthermore, health and safety professionals make up around 1% of the overall workforce in FTSE companies, underlining the importance of their expertise and vigilance in preventing workplace injuries.

UK regional & local insights on workplace injuries

Data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveals significant regional variations in the rate of non-fatal workplace injuries.

Workers in Wales are at a higher risk, with 267 injuries per 100,000 employees, the highest rate among UK regions.

Rate of non-fatal workplace injuries by region

At a more localised level, North Warwickshire has the highest rate of non-fatal injuries at 852 per 100,000 employees, followed by South Staffordshire and Bolsover.

Top 10 local authorities with the highest rates of non-fatal injuries

Industry-specific workplace injury rates

Different industries experience varying rates of workplace injuries, with more hands-on sectors like agriculture and construction facing higher risks. Unsurprisingly, agriculture, forestry and fishing industries have the highest rate of injuries at 3,730 injuries per 100,000 workers.

Average rate of workplace injuries by industry

The most common cause of injuries in the agriculture sector is slips, trips, or falls, accounting for 25% of non-fatal injuries from 2020 to 2023.

Steps to prevent workplace injuries

Given the varying rates of workplace injuries across regions and industries, businesses must adopt a comprehensive approach to workplace safety. Here are key steps businesses can take:

1. Conduct regular risk assessments

Regularly assess potential hazards in the workplace and evaluate the effectiveness of current safety measures. This helps in identifying new risks and areas for improvement.

2. Implement robust safety training programmes

Ensure that all employees receive proper training on safety protocols and procedures. Training should be tailored to specific job roles and updated regularly to reflect new risks and compliance requirements.

3. Maintain clear safety communication

Establish clear channels for reporting hazards and incidents. Encourage open communication about safety concerns and ensure that employees know how to report issues promptly.

4. Invest in safety equipment & technology

Provide employees with the necessary safety equipment and invest in technology, such as wearable sensors and safety management software, that can help monitor and manage workplace safety.

5. Adhere to compliance standards

Stay updated on local and national safety regulations and ensure your business complies with all relevant laws. Regularly review and update safety policies to reflect changes in regulations.

6. Foster a culture of safety

Promote a culture where safety is a shared responsibility. Encourage employees to actively participate in safety initiatives and recognise those contributing to a safer workplace.

Need support with your health and safety training?

Our interactive and engaging health and safety training courses effectively raise your employees' awareness of potential risks, company policies, and their responsibility towards the health and safety of themselves and others. Our health and safety courses are certified by RoSPA Qualifications.

Workplace safety is an ongoing commitment that requires the involvement of everyone in the organisation. By understanding the data on workplace injuries and following compliance standards, businesses can create a safer work environment, reduce injury rates, and enhance overall productivity.