The Health and Safety Executive has released its annual report for 2023/24 on workplace injuries and ill-health.
The data gives insight into the health and Safety challenges that Britain’s workers face and their economic impact.
The report shows that 1.7 millions workers suffered from work-related illness during the period. This is a similar number to 2022/23 when 1.8 million cases were reported. The rate of self reported work-related illness is higher than the pre-pandemic level recorded in 2018/19.
Stress, anxiety, and depression continue to contribute significantly, with approximately half of reported cases. In 2023/24 there were estimated 776,000 mental health problems at work, down from 910,000 the year before. The rate is still high compared to the pre-pandemic period, despite the notable reduction.
The HSE report highlights that work-related injuries and ill health have a significant impact on productivity. In 2023/24, these issues caused an estimated loss of 33.7 million days. The cost of new work-related illnesses and workplace injuries in 2022/23 was estimated at PS21.6billion. This is a decrease of PS1.6 billion from 2021/22.
Workplace injuries and fatalities
Statistics also show the number of fatalities and injuries on the job. In 2023/24, 138 workers died in accidents at work. In the same time period, 604,000 workers also reported injuries that were not fatal.
Sarah Albon, the chief executive of HSE, said: “This year marks fifty years since legislation that established HSE passed. In that time, many things have been accomplished. For example, the number of fatal workplace injuries has dropped by 85 percent.
“Today, Great Britain ranks as one of the world’s safest workplaces, but these statistics remind us that we can still improve. We remain committed to keeping people safe and healthy, wherever they work.”
Brett Hill, Head Health & Protection, Broadstone, a leading independent consultancy, said, “These numbers demonstrate the enormous burden of ill health, particularly, on the UK’s economy, employers, and individuals. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people suffer from new illnesses that they think are brought on or worsened by their jobs. This costs the economy PS14.5 billion.
It is a reminder that employers must implement proactive healthcare strategies such as occupational-health programmes to protect their employees’ health and avoid expensive absenteeism due to illness or injury. Businesses must take on the responsibility of maintaining their employees’ health, as NHS waiting lists are still at record highs and unlikely to improve materially in the near future.
