The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its latest annual statistics on work-related injuries and ill health in Great Britain for the period 2024/25. These figures provide valuable insight into the most common risks facing workers across the UK.
Key figures at a glance
- 1.9 million workers suffering from work-related ill health
- 680,000 workers sustained a non-fatal injury
- 124 workers were killed in work-related accidents
- 35.2 million working days lost due to ill health and injury
- £20.7 billion estimated cost of workplace injuries and ill health (2021/22 data)
Leading causes of workplace injuries
According to the Labour Force Survey data for 2024/25, the most common accident types were:
- Slips, trips, or falls on the same level – 30%
- Handling, lifting or carrying – 17%
- Struck by moving object – 10%
- Acts of violence – 10%
- Falls from height – 8%
Fatal injuries by type
The 124 fatal injuries reported in 2024/25 break down as follows:
- Falls from a height – 35
- Struck by a moving object – 18
- Trapped by something collapsing or overturning – 17
- Struck by a moving vehicle – 14
- Contact with moving machinery – 13
Work-related ill health: What’s behind the rise?
There was a notable increase in reported work-related ill health in 2024/25, up from 1.7 million cases the previous year to 1.9 million. Of these:
- Stress, depression or anxiety accounted for around 49%
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) made up 27%
Higher levels of work-related stress continue to be reported in sectors such as education, healthcare, and public administration.
Steps employers should take
Employers have a legal duty to assess and manage risks to employee health and safety. This includes risks linked to mental wellbeing, manual handling, slips and trips, and hazardous machinery or environments.
Managing work-related stress
The HSE recommends using its Management Standards approach to address the six primary causes of stress:
- Demands – workload and work environment
- Control – how much autonomy workers have
- Support – from management and colleagues
- Relationships – tackling conflict and promoting respect
- Role – ensuring role clarity
- Change – how organisational changes are managed
Reducing musculoskeletal disorders
MSDs are often preventable through a combination of workstation adjustments, manual handling assessments, and ergonomic improvements. The TILE framework can support safer handling:
- Task – the nature of the handling activity
- Individual – the handler’s capability
- Load – weight, shape and stability of items
- Environment – floor conditions, lighting and access
Stay proactive about workplace risks
The latest HSE figures highlight the ongoing need for robust health and safety practices. Reviewing internal data, consulting employees, and using sector-specific benchmarks can all help you stay ahead of potential issues.
Support from PIB Risk Management
Our Health & Safety Risk Management specialists can help you assess common causes of workplace injury and ill health, review existing procedures, and implement effective controls to reduce risk and improve compliance.
