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Workplace Injuries Across the UK and How to Avoid Them | Skillcast

Written by Emmeline de Chazal | 01 Jul 2024

Workplace safety is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. We examine where businesses see workplace injuries the most and how to prevent 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

Region

Injuries per 100,000 Employees

Wales

267

North East

256

North West

256

East Midlands

248

Yorkshire and the Humber

237

West Midlands

234

Scotland

233

East of England

219

South West

219

South East

195

London

156

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

Local Authority

Injuries per 100,000 Employees

North Warwickshire

852

South Staffordshire

599

Bolsover

550

Eden

495

North West Leicestershire

494

Ryedale

481

Blaby

459

Redcar and Cleveland

444

Knowsley

435

Selby

435

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

Industry

Injuries per 100,000 Workers

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

3,730

Construction

2,640

Accommodation and food service activities

2,500

Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles

1,960

Transportation and storage

1,860

Administrative and support service activities

1,780

Human health and social work activities

1,780

Manufacturing

1,740

Public administration and defence; compulsory social security

1,440

Other service activities

1,170

Arts, entertainment and recreation

1,140

Education

1,080

Professional, scientific and technical activities

580

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.