United Kingdom
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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its annual report for 2023/24, providing valuable insights into workplace health and safety across Great Britain.
The statistics highlight ongoing challenges, areas for improvement and reinforce the critical need for effective health and safety practices across all industries. With work-related injuries and illnesses showing concerning trends, it is essential for UK businesses to take proactive steps to mitigate these risks.
In this article, we break down the data and explore what UK organisations can do to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other workplace health challenges.
Key findings: Trends in workplace health and safety
The HSE report outlines several concerning trends, including a notable rise in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and the resulting increase in lost working days. Below is a summary of key data points:
Indicator |
2023 |
2024 |
Increase |
% Difference |
| Workers Killed | 135 | 138 | 3 | 2% |
| Non-fatal workplace injuries (Labour Force Survey) | 561,000 | 604,000 | 43,000 | 8% |
| Non-fatal workplace injuries (Reported under RIDDOR) | 60,645 | 61,663 | 1,018 | 2% |
| Working days lost to non-fatal injuries | 3,700,000 | 4,100,000 | 400,000 | 11% |
| Work-related MSDs (new or long-standing) | 473,000 | 543,000 | 70,000 | 15% |
| Work-related MSDs (new cases only) | 132,000 | 168,000 | 36,000 | 27% |
| Working days lost due to MSDs | 6,600,000 | 7,800,000 | 1,200,000 | 18% |
The figures show a growing burden of workplace injuries, particularly MSDs, which continue to be a leading cause of lost productivity.
Mental health and work-related illness
Beyond physical injuries, mental health remains a critical concern. The report reveals that 1.7 million workers reported experiencing a work-related illness, with 776,000 individuals citing work-related stress, depression, or anxiety as the primary cause.
These statistics highlight the dual challenge of addressing both physical and mental health risks. Mental health conditions often exacerbate workplace challenges, affecting employee morale, productivity and overall organisational performance.
It is clear that businesses need to adopt comprehensive health and wellbeing programmes that encompass both physical and mental health support to foster a resilient and productive workforce.
Economic and productivity impacts
The ripple effects of workplace injuries and illnesses extend beyond individual workers, impacting organisational and national productivity. Key findings from the report include:
- 33.7 million working days were lost due to work-related illnesses and injuries.
- The estimated cost of injuries and ill health stemming from current working conditions was £21.6 billion in 2022/23.
These figures underline the significant financial impact of poor health and safety practices. Investing in proactive health and safety measures can help mitigate these costs, making it a strategic priority for organisations.
The role of proactive health and safety measures
Proactive health and safety programmes are essential for reducing the prevalence of workplace injuries and illnesses. At Cardinus, our expertise in ergonomics (DSE), safety, and wellbeing programmes has delivered measurable improvements for our clients.
For instance, our data shows that implementing a tailored ergonomics programme can reduce MSD incidents by up to 75% within 12 months. This translates to fewer lost working days, reduced healthcare costs, and improved employee satisfaction.
Additionally, research from the King’s College London Policy Institute, referencing Deloitte’s findings, highlights the economic benefits of investing in mental health programmes. For every £1 invested, organisations achieved a £5 return, demonstrating the clear value of supporting mental health in the workplace.
Programmes designed with a positive, proactive approach not only improve outcomes for employees but also strengthen organisational resilience and financial performance.
Practical steps for UK businesses
To address the challenges highlighted in the HSE report, UK organisations should consider the following actions:
- Implement ergonomics programs: Addressing workstation design and posture can significantly reduce MSD cases.
- Focus on mental health: Introduce mental health support initiatives, including employee assistance programmes and regular wellbeing assessments.
- Enhance training and awareness: Equip managers and employees with the knowledge and tools to identify and mitigate risks.
- Monitor and measure: Use data-driven approaches to evaluate the effectiveness of health and safety programmes and refine them as needed.
At Cardinus, we work closely with our clients to design and implement tailored health, safety, and ergonomics solutions. Our collaborative approach ensures that businesses can meet their legal obligations while fostering a safe and productive work environment.
The path forward
Prioritising health and safety is not just a regulatory requirement but also a strategic imperative. Organisations that invest in robust health and safety measures gain a competitive edge by improving employee engagement, reducing absenteeism, and enhancing productivity.
The findings of the HSE report are a call to action for businesses to take workplace health and safety seriously. By implementing comprehensive, evidence-based programmes, organisations can reduce the impact of MSDs and other workplace challenges, benefiting both employees and their bottom line.
At Cardinus, we are committed to helping businesses navigate these challenges. To discuss how we can support your organisation in reducing the impact of MSDs and improving overall workplace health, get in touch with us today.
