The HSE has recently released their annual 2021-2022 statistics for work related accidents. This is an important report for many industries, and essentially tells us where we need to focus on going into the new year.
Work related accidents accounted for 123 deaths this year. Moreover, approximately 565,000 non-fatal accidents and injuries were reported in 2021-22. Statistically this figure needs to be improved and highlights the need for better workplace health and safety.
Top 4 high-risk industries for work related accidents
Interestingly; construction, manufacturing, mining and quarrying came fourth on the list for non- fatal accidents behind other industries such as:
- Human health & social work
- Public administration
- Defence
- Construction & Manufacturing
The highest figure for work related ill health was 914,000. This number is for employees’ suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety. Surprisingly this is higher than the figures for work-related back problems or asbestos inhalation . These figures tell us that as a country, we are still behind in providing employees with proper mental health support. Are we prioritising physical health before mental health?
Work related illnesses and injuries add up to a whopping 36.8 million working days lost, at a total cost to UK businesses of £18.8 billion.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/
The importance of safeguarding employee health
Our focus should be on protecting employees which in turn will protect our business. Failure to safeguard employees can have catastrophic repercussions for both workers and the business. This can range from fatalities and serious accidents to long-term sickness due to stress in the workplace. And it doesn’t take a genius to work out how your business could suffer as a result of this.
The latest statistics paint a bleak picture of the landscape of UK health and safety. However, it’s not because of a lack of available information. This year alone the HSE has released several campaigns relating to employee mental health and occupational lung disease. These are both incredibly important topics for many industries and account for more than 1 million new work related illnesses in 2022.
The shocking truth
Around 12,000 deaths last year were attributed to occupational lung disease. Understandably, this is a hot topic for the HSE and one which we should take seriously. So with many different ways for employees to suffer illness or injury, investing in the right compliance services is essential to help your business move forward.
Mental health struggles at work can impact an employee’s ability to concentrate, leaving them vulnerable to other serious accidents and injuries. Yet, according to the latest report we are still miles behind reaching a suitable standard for mental health at work.
What can we do?
We’re not saying that all businesses don’t take employee health and well being seriously. We know they do! Working closely with our customers, we able to help implement occupational hygiene, and health & safety controls and measures that adhere to HSE legal frameworks.
Along with protecting your workforce from work related accidents and ill health, you also protect your business. The upfront cost of ensuring you achieve your legal requirements is outweighed by the cost of fines, sick days, and the cost of recruiting new employees if someone leaves due to stress or long-term ill health. So if your business needs a once over, we can definitely help.
Reducing work related accidents and injury
Prioritising your legal requirements for employee health is one of the best investments you will make. Not only will this ensure that accidents and injuries are kept to a minimum, but you will also avoid large fines as a result of non-compliance.
After these statistics, the HSE will be hot on the tales of any business who tries to evade their legal responsibilities. So what can you do now to reduce work related accidents and injuries?
- Employee a health and safety officer – This may work for some larger businesses but not always for SMEs
- Ensure that you have regular risk assessment and monitoring for all parts of your business
- Invest in third party compliance services who can help you to implement and control all your health, safety and occupational hygiene needs.
At Safety First Group we have over 10 years of helping UK businesses put their safety first and achieve compliance. We offer bespoke packages tailored to your needs, giving you the confidence to work safely throughout the year.
Our customers have seen a decrease in work related accidents and injuries as a result of implementing thorough risk assessments, controls and measures. All delivered by our expert occupational hygienists who have helped thousands of UK businesses identify and manage high-risk employees.
Ready to get started?
Let us guide you through services you might need, and discuss your overall compliance needs for the rest of 2022 and beyond. You can contact us here, email enquiries@safetyfirstgroup.co.uk or call us on 0845 004 2133 to speak to one of our friendly technicians.
