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An Executive Summary of the HSE Report on Manufacturing Statistics in Great Britain 2022
This blog article provides an executive summary of key findings from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Report on manufacturing statistics in Great Britain for the year 2022. The original report was published on 23rd November 2022, with data up to March 2022. Here are the most crucial stats and facts you need to know.
92,000 manufacturing workers suffer work-related ill health annually
According to HSE's Labour Force Survey (LFS), around 92,000 workers in the manufacturing sector are suffering from new or long-standing work related ill health each year, averaged across the three-year period of 2019/20-2021/22. (Source: LFS estimated annual average 2019/20-2021/22)
22 Manufacturing worker fatalities recorded in 2021/22
The Report of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) reports that 22 fatal injuries to workers occurred in the manufacturing sector in 2021/22. The annual average number of fatalities for the 2017/18-2021/22 period was 19. (Source: RIDDOR)
54,000 workers in Manufacturing sustain non-fatal injuries each year
The LFS estimates that 54,000 workers sustained non-fatal injuries at work each year averaged across the three-year period 2019/20-2021/22. (Source: LFS, estimated annual average 2019/20-2021/22)
Manufacturing sector accounts for 8% of the GB workforce
The manufacturing sector is a major employer in Great Britain accounting for around 8% of the workforce. The sector includes diverse industries ranging from the Manufacture of food and drink products to Manufacture of transport and transport products.(source: Annual Population Survey, 2021).
40% of all reported ill health cases for Manufacturing were Musculoskeletal disorders
Out of the estimated 92,000 work-related ill health cases, 40% were musculoskeletal disorders arising from work conditions in the manufacturing sector. (Source: LFS, estimated annual average 2019/20-2021/22)
1.2% workers suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders
Around 1.2% of workers in the manufacturing sector suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (new or long-standing cases). This rate is not statistically different than that for workers across all industries (1.1%). (Source: LFS, annual average (2017/18-2021/22))
37,000 cases of work-related stress, depression or anxiety recorded annually in the Manufacturing sector
Work-related stress, depression, or anxiety account for 40% of all ill health in the manufacturing sector with an average of 37,000 annual cases. (Source: LFS, estimated annual average 2019/20-2021/22)
4,000 cases of work-related lung problems recorded annually
Annually around 4,000 workers were suffering with breathing or lung problems caused or exacerbated by their work, representing 0.13% of workers in the sector. (Source: LFS, annual average 2015/16-2021/22)
Estimated total cost of work-related ill health and injury at £1.3 billion
The total cost in terms of lost output and healthcare costs for work-related ill health and injury in the manufacturing sector for 2019/20 was estimated at £1.3 billion. This accounts for 7% of the total cost of all work-related ill health and injury (£18.7 billion). (Source: HSE Costs to Britain, 2019/20)
2.0% of manufacturing workers sustain a workplace injury
Around 2.0% of workers in the manufacturing sector sustained a workplace injury, a rate higher than the 1.7% for workers across all industries. (Source: LFS, annual average (2017/18-2021/22))
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Report on manufacturing statistics in Great Britain for 2022 paints a complex picture of the sector's health and safety landscape. With 92,000 workers suffering from work-related ill health and 22 fatalities recorded in 2021/22, the data underscores the significant risks faced by manufacturing employees.
The high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, accounting for a large portion of reported ill health cases, highlights critical areas needing attention. Additionally, the sector's substantial economic impact, with work-related ill health and injury costing an estimated £1.3 billion, emphasises the need for continued and enhanced safety measures.
Despite these challenges, the manufacturing sector remains a vital part of the Great Britain workforce, underscoring the importance of maintaining rigorous health and safety standards to protect its workers.
