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Work-related ill-health and injury statistics published

Figures published by the HSE on 23 November show that the number of workers in Great Britain with a work-related illness is an estimated 1.8 million.

Approximately half of the number of workers in Great Britain with a work-related illness is linked to stress, depression, and anxiety. Stress and poor mental health related to work is a growing crisis, with 914,000 workers suffering. Improving mental health in the workplace is a key priority in the HSE’s 10-year strategy to 2032 ‘Protecting people and places’.

The following are other key annual figures for 2021/2022 issued by the HSE:

  • 477,000 workers suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder
  • 123,000 workers suffering from COVID-19 which they believe may have been from exposure to coronavirus at work
  • 2,544 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures (2020)
  • 123 workers killed in work-related accidents
  • 565,000 working people sustained an injury at work according to the Labour Force Survey
  • 61,713 injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR
  • 36.8 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury
  • £18.8 billion estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions (2019/20)

The figures are supported by a set of Tables and a Summary Booklet which contain further information.

A summary of fatal injuries arising from accidents at work in Great Britain between April to September 2022 will be published by the HSE in December.

Northern Ireland:

On 23 November the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland published its Annual Report and Accounts for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022. The number of all work-related fatalities in Northern Ireland (2021-22), including those within areas that are the responsibility of both HSENI and local councils, was 19 compared to 13 in the last reporting year. 63% of these fatalities occurred in the agriculture, construction, and manufacturing sectors, with the two major causes being incidents involving vehicle movement and fall from height. These work sectors and activities will remain priority work for HSENI going forward.  Any loss of life in the workplace is unacceptable, inspections of workplaces will be planned and formal enforcement notices issued.


Sources:

Health and safety statistics – HSE, 23 November

Summary statistics for Great Britain 2022 – HSE, 23 November

Index of data tables – HSE, 23 November

Protecting people and places. HSE strategy 2022 to 2032 – HSE

HSENI Annual Report and Accounts 1 April 2021- 31 March 2022 – HSENI 23 November 2022

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