The HSE has published the latest statistics on work-related health and safety in Great Britain.

The annual figures (2023 to 2024) include the following headlines:

• 1.7 million working people are suffering from a work-related illness, of which:
  o 776,000 workers are suffering work-related stress, depression or anxiety; and
  o 543,000 workers are suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder.
• There were 2,257 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures (2022).
• 138 workers were killed in work-related accidents.
• 604,000 working people sustained an injury at work, according to the Labour Force Survey.
• 61,663 injuries to employees were reported under RIDDOR.
• 33.7 million working days were lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury.
• The estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions (2022 to 2023) is £21.6 billion.

Industries with statistically significantly higher rates of work-related ill health compared to the average rate across all industries were human health and social work, public administration and defence, and education. Accommodation and food service activities, construction, transportation and storage, and wholesale and retail trade (including motor vehicle repair) had statistically significantly higher workplace non-fatal injury rates compared to the average rate across all industries. Historically, agriculture, forestry and fishing estimates have shown this sector to have a higher rate, however no estimate is available for this latest period.

The UK consistently has one of the lowest rates of fatal injury across Europe. Compared to other large European economies, the 2018 UK fatal injury rate was a similar order as Germany, and lower than France, Spain, Italy, Poland and the EU-27 average. In 2020, the UK rates of workplace non-fatal injuries and work-related ill health resulting in time off work compared favourably with many European countries. The EU-27 average includes the 27 countries in the European Union as of 2020 and thus excludes the United Kingdom.

HSE’s chief executive Sarah Albon said:

“This year marks 50 years since the legislation which established HSE was passed. Much has been achieved in that time, including a dramatic reduction of around 85% in the numbers of employee fatal injuries in the workplace. Today, Great Britain is one of the safest places in the world to work but these statistics serve as a reminder that there is still room for further improvement, and we remain committed to ensuring people remain safe and healthy wherever work is taking place.”

To access the full statistics, click here.

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