Annual health and safety statistics show £20.7bn cost to British economy

The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE’s) latest annual statistics have been released, with the annual cost of workplace injury and work-related ill health rising by a whopping £1.9bn to £20.7bn in 2021/2022.

This huge cost to the British economy demonstrates the importance of implementing stringent health and safety protocols.

Here, Partner Claire Burrows and Health and Safety Consultant David Collins pick out some other key headlines from the figures.

Headline health and safety stats

Other headline stats for 2022/2023 include:

• 1.8m workers suffered from work-related ill health, with half of those (875,000) due to stress, depression or anxiety — an increase on pre-pandemic levels. 473,000 had a work-related musculoskeletal disorder.
• An estimated 35.2m working days were lost due to self-reported work-related ill health or injury.
• The number of work-related deaths increased by 10% to 135, with construction deaths rising by a significant 50% to 45.
• Falling from height remains the main category of fatal accidents (40).

These stats come shortly after HSE inspectors carried out increased visits and spot-checks on construction sites.

Asbestos deaths

The statistics also highlight that 2,268 mesothelioma deaths were recorded in 2021 due to past asbestos exposure. This is significant, with around 5,000 workers dying each year in total as a result of asbestos — making it the single greatest cause of work-related deaths.

Find out more about asbestos risks, surveys and duty holders’ legal obligations.

Talk to us

These statistics should serve as a stark reminder for employers, duty holders, contractors and organisations to review their approach to health and safety and complete an audit focusing on compliance with the various health and safety Acts and Regulations.

It’s worth noting that the Health and Safety at Work etc., Act 1974 requires employers to ensure — so far as is reasonably practicable — the health, safety and welfare of employees at work. The rising number of those suffering from work-related ill health is likely to be an area of concern and focus for the HSE moving forward.

If you need any help in reviewing your arrangements or obtaining legal advice, our expert health and safety law team can help.