Health and safety confidence drops among UK workers, new report shows

Financial strain and outdated equipment prompt safety concerns

New research published on 27 June 2025 has reported a decline in confidence in workplace health and safety across UK organisations.

The findings suggest that inadequate equipment, limited training and shifting employer priorities are contributing to growing employee scepticism.

The data comes from the fifth annual Safety and Health at Work Report 2025, commissioned by Drager, based on a survey of 1000 employees and managers in companies with over 50 staff.

According to the report, financial pressures are contributing to outdated or poorly maintained safety infrastructure.

The study found that 77% of respondents believe recent changes to National Insurance will negatively impact health and safety budgets, while 66% say equipment in their workplace is inadequate, outdated or in disrepair.

Workers question role of employers in mental health and safety

The report found that 63% of workers believe too much responsibility for workplace safety and wellbeing now lies with employees rather than employers.

Researchers reported a shift in how mental wellbeing is prioritised in the workplace.

In 2024, 82% of participants ranked mental health as the top safety issue.

In 2025, it had dropped to third place, behind fire safety and respiratory hazards.

The report found that 73% of respondents consider safety training to be a tick box exercise.

9% said they had received no safety training in the last five years.

Artificial intelligence seen as both solution and risk

The research highlighted growing use of AI in workplace safety systems.

44% of those surveyed said AI could help reduce human error by automating repetitive checks.

Respondents also pointed to its potential to improve safety training and identify hazards through simulation.

However, 92% said they anticipate risks from AI implementation in the next five years.

The most common concern, identified by 47% of participants, was that increased use of AI could lead to complacency.

Organisations may assume safety systems are automated enough to reduce the need for human oversight.

Economic pressure linked to downgraded safety standards

The study found that budget cuts are influencing employer decisions around safety provision.

Many participants expressed concern that essential health and safety requirements are being deprioritised.

A total of 77% said National Insurance changes would limit funding for workplace safety.

66% of workers said that the safety equipment provided by their employer was no longer fit for purpose.

The report authors stated that the financial context must be acknowledged in order to maintain effective protection measures.

Cynicism builds across safety culture

The findings suggest the emergence of a wider cultural shift in how workers view employer commitment to safety.

The report described this trend as ‘Gen C’ – a generation marked by cynicism around safety policies and investment.

This shift is linked to low confidence in training systems, outdated equipment, falling mental health prioritisation and unclear approaches to new technology.

It stated that business leaders should use the results as a reason to review how they address health and safety concerns.

Matthew Bedford, Managing Director at Dräger Safety UK Ltd, said: “The outlook for businesses continues to be extremely challenging, not least financially. However, it is vital that organisations also remain focused on fundamental issues such as the safety and wellbeing of their employees.”

Bedford added: “My hope is that some of the issues highlighted in this year’s research will serve as a wake-up call to UK businesses.

“Despite the vast majority of people reporting that they do feel safe in their workplace, there are clear areas of dissatisfaction and cynicism across key areas which need addressing to prevent negative sentiment developing further.

“It is vital that we do not allow complacency to develop in relation to workplace health and safety, and that instead, innovation and new approaches being seen in the fields of safety training and safety technology are leveraged fully to keep workplaces safe despite the challenges faced.”

Health and safety confidence drops among UK workers, new report shows: Summary

The fifth annual Safety and Health at Work Report 2025 was published on 27 June 2025.

The study was conducted by Insight Avenue UK and commissioned by Dräger Safety UK Ltd.

It surveyed 1000 employees and managers across UK organisations with more than 50 staff.

63% of workers believe safety responsibility has shifted too much onto employees.

Mental health dropped from first to third in workplace safety priorities over the past year.

73% of respondents said safety training is a tick box exercise.

9% had not received safety training in five years.

77% said National Insurance changes would reduce health and safety funding.

66% said their company’s safety equipment is outdated or damaged.

44% believe AI can improve safety by reducing human error.

92% said AI introduces new risks to safety management.

47% cited over-reliance on automation as the top AI-related concern.