20th November 2024
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its annual statistics on work-related ill health and workplace injuries for 2023/24.
Key Findings:
- Persistent Work-Related Ill Health: Approximately 1.7 million workers reported suffering from work-related ill health, a figure similar to the previous year.
- Stress, Depression, and Anxiety: These conditions remain a significant concern, accounting for nearly half of all self-reported ill health cases.
- Reduced Work-Related Stress: While the rate of stress-related ill health remains elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, it has decreased from the previous year.
- Economic Impact: Work-related ill health and injuries cost the UK economy an estimated £21.6 billion in 2022/23.
- Workplace Fatalities and Injuries: 138 workers lost their lives in work-related accidents, and 604,000 sustained non-fatal injuries.
HSE’s Commitment to Workplace Safety:
HSE Chief Executive Sarah Albon emphasised the importance of continued efforts to improve workplace safety and health. Despite significant progress in recent decades, there is still room for improvement.
FASET’s Perspective:
These statistics are a sobering reminder that workplace safety is a crucial part of the duty of care of all employers. Tragically of the 138 workplace fatalities in 23/24, 50 of them were as a result of falls from height, making it the single most cause of death in UK workplaces.
Tony Seddon, Managing Director of FASET the Fall Arrest Safety Equipment and Training Trade Association said “The recent HSE statistics are a stark reminder of the ongoing risks associated with working at height. It’s crucial that we continue to prioritise safety, training, innovation and legislation, to prevent these tragic accidents. FASET is committed to working with industry partners to raise awareness, promote best practices, and ensure that workers have the knowledge and skills to work safely at height. By investing in training and adopting the latest safety technologies, we can make significant strides in reducing the number of fatal falls and injuries.”
To read the full report go to HSE
For information and guidance dedicated to working at height go to www.faset.org.uk
