Ad
Friday, July 11, 2025
17.1 C
London

The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008  |  U.K. Edition

HSE Report: Alarming Rise in Work-Related Health Issues

- Advertisement -

In a concerning report released yesterday, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) disclosed that nearly two million workers in Great Britain suffered from work-related ill health in the fiscal year 2022/23. 

The annual statistics shed light on a troubling rise in work-related stress, depression, anxiety, and injuries, posing significant challenges to both employees and employers alike.

According to the HSE’s data, a staggering 1.8 million workers reported experiencing work-related ill health during the 2022/23 period. Of these cases, approximately half were attributed to stress, depression, or anxiety. This marks a troubling departure from pre-pandemic trends when the rate of self-reported work-related ill health had remained relatively stable. The current rate is notably higher than that recorded in 2018/19.

The report further reveals that an estimated 875,000 cases of work-related stress, depression, or anxiety were reported in 2022/23, exceeding the levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. These mental health-related issues are significantly impacting the well-being of the workforce.

One of the most startling revelations is the toll this is taking on the nation’s productivity. An estimated 35.2 million working days were lost in 2022/23 due to self-reported work-related ill health or injury. This loss of productivity is a pressing concern for businesses across the country.

HSE’s Chief Executive, Sarah Albon, emphasised the importance of addressing these issues promptly, “Preventing or tackling work-related stress can provide significant benefits to employees, improving their experience of work and their overall health; and also to employers including increased productivity, decreased absenteeism, and reduced staff turnover.”

The report also delves into the economic impact of work-related ill health and workplace injuries. In 2021/22, the estimated annual costs associated with workplace injuries and new cases of work-related ill health reached a staggering £20.7 billion. This represents a £1.9 billion increase compared to figures from 2019/20. The rising economic burden underscores the urgency of taking action to improve workplace safety and mental health support.

Tragically, the report reveals that 135 workers lost their lives in work-related accidents during the 2022/23 period, and an additional 561,000 workers sustained self-reported non-fatal injuries in the workplace. These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the critical need for continued efforts to enhance workplace safety standards.

The HSE’s annual report serves as a stark wake-up call for both employers and policymakers to prioritise the well-being and safety of the workforce. As the country grapples with the long-lasting effects of the pandemic, addressing the rising rates of work-related ill health and injuries must be a top priority to ensure the health, productivity, and prosperity of Great Britain.

- Advertisement -

Popular this week >

Palmers Scaffolding Hits One Million Hours Without a Lost Time Incident

The milestone has been hailed as a major safety...

Enigma Expands in Aberdeen with Major Investment in New Premises

National scaffolding and industrial services provider Enigma Industrial Services...

South Molton Scaffolding Delivers Complex Temporary Roof Project

South Molton Scaffolding Ltd has successfully completed a technically...

PERI Showcases Rail Access Innovation at Rail Live UK

Scaffolding and formwork expert PERI has showcased its latest...

How RNDV Won ScaffChamp 2025 – And What It Means for the Industry

After a standout performance in Vilnius, RNDV speaks with...
- Advertisements -

Related Articles >

CITB Publishes Five-Year Workforce Outlook to Tackle Construction Skills Demand

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has released a major new forecast highlighting the scale of workforce needs facing the UK construction sector over the next five years. Published yesterday, the Construction Workforce Outlook...

Latest Topics

ScaffFloat Delivers Floating Scaffold Platform for Safer Pier Work in Teesside

ScaffFloat has deployed an innovative floating platform in Teesside...

No Falls Foundation Renews Call to Tackle Falls from Height

The No Falls Foundation has renewed its call for...

How RNDV Won ScaffChamp 2025 – And What It Means for the Industry

After a standout performance in Vilnius, RNDV speaks with...

Enigma Expands in Aberdeen with Major Investment in New Premises

National scaffolding and industrial services provider Enigma Industrial Services...
- Advertisement -

Popular Categories