Work-related ill health statistics from HSE

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its annual report detailing workplace injury and ill health statistics for 2023/24.

According to the report, 1.7 million workers experienced work-related ill health during this period.

This figure is similar to the 1.8 million reported in 2022/23.

Half of these cases were attributed to stress, depression, or anxiety, totalling approximately 776,000 cases.

The report noted a decline in work-related stress, depression, or anxiety cases from 910,000 in 2022/23.

However, the current rate remains higher than pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2018/19.

Economic and productivity impact

Workplace injuries and ill health caused substantial productivity losses in 2023/24.

An estimated 33.7 million working days were lost due to self-reported work-related injuries or illnesses.

The HSE report highlighted the broader economic implications, noting that workplace injuries and new cases of ill health cost the economy £21.6 billion in 2022/23.

This represents a decrease of £1.6 billion compared to the previous year.

Workplace injuries and fatalities

The statistics also cover work-related injuries and fatalities in 2023/24.

During this period, 138 workers were fatally injured in workplace accidents.

Additionally, 604,000 workers reported non-fatal injuries sustained at work.

HSE’s chief executive Sarah Albon reflected on the progress made in workplace safety: “This year marks 50 years since the legislation which established HSE was passed.

Much has been achieved in that time, including a dramatic reduction of around 85 per cent in the numbers of employee fatal injuries in the workplace.”

HSE’s commitment to workplace safety

The HSE emphasised the importance of maintaining progress while addressing ongoing challenges.

Albon added: “Today, Great Britain is one of the safest places in the world to work but these statistics serve as a reminder that there is still room for further improvement, and we remain committed to ensuring people remain safe and healthy wherever work is taking place.”

The report demonstrates the HSE’s ongoing focus on improving health and safety outcomes across Britain’s workplaces.

HSE reveals UK workplace injury and ill health data for 2023/24: Summary

The Health and Safety Executive has released its 2023/24 workplace injury and ill health report.

The data shows that 1.7 million workers experienced work-related ill health, with stress, depression, or anxiety accounting for 776,000 cases.

These conditions have decreased compared to the previous year but remain above pre-pandemic levels.

The report revealed 33.7 million working days were lost due to ill health or injury.

Additionally, 138 workers died in work-related accidents, and 604,000 experienced non-fatal injuries.

The economic cost of these incidents reached £21.6 billion in 2022/23, a reduction from the previous year.

HSE’s chief executive Sarah Albon noted the organisation’s progress over 50 years while reaffirming its commitment to further improving workplace safety in Britain.