Summary of UK Workplace Health and Safety Statistics 2024

Summary of HSE Report: Workplace Health and Safety Statistics 2024

This article summarises the key findings from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report, highlighting trends in work-related ill health and workplace injuries in Great Britain using data up to March 2024. The report provides a historical perspective on the state of occupational health and safety, with insights drawn from decades of data.

Source: HSE Summary Report 2023-24

Key Statistics and Trends

Work-Related Ill Health

1. 1.7 Million Workers Affected by Work-Related Ill Health

   • In 2023/24, approximately 1.7 million workers reported work-related ill health, including both new and long-standing cases. This equates to a rate of 4,940 per 100,000 workers (4.9%).
   • The rate has fallen since last year from 1.8 million workers, but risen compared to pre-pandemic levels (2018/19), reflecting ongoing challenges in workplace health.

2. Musculoskeletal Disorders: One-Third of Workplace Ill Health

   • In 2024, there were 543,000 reported cases of MSDs, almost 15% higher than in 2023 (473,000 cases)
   • Musculoskeletal disorders account for around a third of all work-related ill health cases, with a rate of 1,600 per 100,000 workers (1.6%). This rate remains similar to 2018/19 levels, showing no significant change.

3. Stress, Depression, or Anxiety: Half of All Cases

   • Stress, depression, or anxiety made up approximately half of all work-related ill health cases in 2023/24, at a rate of 2,290 per 100,000 workers (2.3%).
   • In 2023/24, 16.4 million working days were lost due to stress, depression or anxiety. with 300,000 suffering from a new case during the year.
   • The total number of cases has reduced from 875,000 in 2023 to 776,000 in 2024.
   • The trend still represents a marked increase from 2018/19 levels, highlighting growing mental health challenges in the workplace.

4. 52,000 Suffering from Work-Related Lung Disease

   • An estimated 52,000 workers reported breathing or lung problems, equivalent to a rate of 150 per 100,000 workers. This rate remains consistent with pre-pandemic levels.
   • Long-term data on specific diseases like mesothelioma show annual deaths are starting to decline after a decade of stability. In 2022, there were 2,257 mesothelioma deaths, primarily due to historical asbestos exposure.

Workplace Injuries

1. Fatal Injuries: 138 Deaths in 2023/24

   • In 2023/24, 138 workers lost their lives in work-related accidents, including 88 employees and 50 self-employed individuals.
   • Fatal injuries to employees increaed by only 3 since the previous year, and have decreased by approximately 85% since the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act in the 1970s, thanks to improved safety practices and shifts in industry composition.

2. 604,000 Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries

   • Self-reported non-fatal injuries affected 604,000 workers, a rate of 1,890 per 100,000 workers (1.9%). This rate is consistent with 2018/19 levels.
   • 21% of these injuries resulted in absences exceeding seven days, underlining their impact on productivity and worker well-being.
   • The number of non-fatal injuries in 2023/24 increased by 7.6% from 561,000 in 2022/23, but the trend oper 100,000 workers over the last two decased is still significantly down.

3. RIDDOR-Reported Injuries

   • Employers reported 61,663 non-fatal injuries under RIDDOR in 2023/24, with reporting rates estimated at around 50% of actual incidents.

Economic and Productivity Costs

1. 33.7 Million Working Days Lost

   • A total of 33.7 million working days were lost in 2023/24 due to work-related ill health and injuries. This translates to an average of 1.25 days lost per worker, a figure unchanged from pre-pandemic levels.

2. Workplace Ill Health Costs £21.6 Billion Annually

   • The economic cost of workplace injuries and new cases of work-related ill health in 2022/23 was estimated at £21.6 billion, excluding long-latency diseases like cancer.

Long-Term Trends

1. Decline in Fatal Injuries

   • Fatal injuries have declined significantly over the last century, from approximately 4,400 employee deaths annually in 1900 to around 200 in the 2000s, and further reductions since.

2. Mixed Trends in Ill Health

   • While rates of musculoskeletal disorders and other physical illnesses have shown long-term reductions, work-related stress and mental health issues have increased in recent years.

3. Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Illnesses

   • Mesothelioma deaths have started to decline, aligning with earlier projections, but asbestosis deaths remain stable, reflecting the long latency of asbestos exposure.

Conclusion

The HSE report highlights both progress and persistent challenges in occupational health and safety. While long-term reductions in fatal injuries and musculoskeletal disorders reflect significant achievements, the rising prevalence of stress and mental health issues demands urgent attention. Addressing these challenges is crucial for protecting workers and minimising economic costs.

References

• HSE Summary Report 2023-24
• HSE Historical Trends

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