Current State of Workplace Safety in the UK: HSE Data Analysis 2022-2023

The HSE data for April 2022 to March 2023 provides a detailed picture of workplace safety in the UK, highlighting both successes and areas for improvement.

Work-Related Fatalities

Tragically, the report records:

• 135 workers killed in work-related accidents, emphasising the ongoing risks in various work environments.

Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries

The frequency and impact of non-fatal injuries include:

• 561,000 workers sustaining non-fatal injuries, based on Labour Force Survey self-reports.
• 60,645 injuries reported by employers under RIDDOR.
• A total of 3.7 million working days lost due to these injuries.

Long-Term Injury Trends

Fatal and non-fatal injuries show:

• A long-term downward trend in fatal injuries, with recent rates similar to pre-coronavirus levels.
• A generally downward trend in non-fatal injuries, aligning with or improving upon pre-pandemic figures.

Common Types of Non-Fatal Injuries

The most frequently reported injuries include:

• Slips, trips, or falls on the same level (32%)
• Handling, lifting, or carrying (17%)
• Being struck by moving objects (11%)

Severity of Injuries

The impact of non-fatal injuries on worker absence:

• 22% led to more than 7 days of absence.
• 78% resulted in up to 7 days of absence.

Conclusion

This HSE report underscores the critical need for continuous improvement in workplace safety, aiming to reduce both fatal and non-fatal injuries in UK workplaces.