10 Hidden Facts About Health & Safety

Posted on written by Marvin

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We love facts and statistics at Project Skills Solutions.

Health and safety is such an important topic and figures can vary wildly between industries, however there are many interesting facts which cover workplace safety in the UK as a whole. This is why in this blog we’ll be revealing 10 hidden facts about health and safety you must know…


#1. There Were 135 Workplace Fatalities In The UK Last Year

This is actually an increase of 12 deaths in the workplace from the previous year. The construction industry was responsible for a third of all workplace fatalities to occur within the year. However, the UK has as low fatal injury at work rate in comparison to the rest of Europe.


#2. 35.2 Million Working Days Were Lost In 2022-23

Stress, anxiety as well as musculoskeletal disorders accounted for the main reasons why working days were lost in the UK, accounting for nearly 70% of the total working days lost. The average amount of days lost per person suffering from these conditions was 16.75 days.


#3. Workplace Injuries & Ill Health Cost £20.7 Billion Per Year

Even though injuries at work have been on a gradual decline in recent years, work-related injuries and illnesses still cost the UK economy £20.7 billion every year. The HSE fined Businesses and Councils £2.5 Million in 2023 after breaches in health & safety were found.


#4. The Healthcare Sector Has The Highest Stress Levels

Mental health is one of the most common reasons for taking days off work but how big an impact it is varies by industry. A study showed that over 80% of Doctors reported feeling stressed or burnout, with physical and emotional toll rising among NHS workers. Education and also hospitality take spots 2 and 3 on the list, with both sectors stating that there is not enough focus on workplace wellbeing.


#5. The Art Sectors Have The Lowest Stress Levels

Those who reported the lowest stress levels in 2023 were production managers and directors, with 4% reporting struggling with stress at work. Science, engineering and production technicians experienced the second lowest levels of stress, with only 5.6% saying they had been affected in the previous year.

Microbusinesses which have 4 or fewer employees experience the least amount of stress whereas larger organisations (over 500 staff members) experience the most.


#6. Injuries Are Reduced When Employees Have a Say At Work

Creating a strong culture of safety is vital to promote good working practices. The HSE has several case studies on its website that highlight this. Including Devonport Docks, who after implementing several strategies to include their staff in health & safety matters, saw the benefits. Accidents were reduced by 35%, profits were up by 8% and sickness and absence among staff is below 3%.


#7. Asbestos Related Deaths Remain The Biggest Workplace Killer

There were 2,268 deaths from mesothelioma in 2021 (a cancer that is associated with asbestos exposure). Trade unions use the stark figure that for every workplace death in the UK, there are 17 deaths from mesothelioma. They are campaigning for the removal of asbestos from schools and public buildings, stating that people who work in these buildings are often not aware that they are feet from asbestos. The HSE also launched a campaign in 2023 ‘Asbestos and You’ which aimed to raise awareness in young people joining a trade. Asbestos is often seen as something in the past that is no longer relevant, however, there are still a huge amount of buildings in the UK that contain the material.


#8. 50 Year Old Legislation Is Still Vital

The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) still lays the groundwork to workplace safety. It might be over 5 decades old now but it is important to ensure employers take the necessary measures to keep everyone safe. While other legislation and regulations specific to each industry accompany the Health and Safety at Work Act, this piece of legislation remains the cornerstone of safety in the UK.


#9. Brexit Hasn’t Had As Big An Impact On H&S As People Thought

Contrary to popular belief, exiting the European Union didn’t have a massive impact on health and safety. The retained EU Law Act 2023 identified redundant regulations so the UK continued to have strong safety legislation in place. Some rules and procedures changed for the chemical industry, UK manufactured civil explosives and the manufacture and supply of new work equipment. You can see the specifics of the changes on the HSE website.


#10. Training Helps Make Workplaces Safer

Finally, health and safety training is vital to make workplaces a safer place. Whether it is taking training on a specific part of your job or more general safety training, it all helps to ensure that you, your team and your organisation implement safe practices at work. Risk can be found in any workplace, and making basic health and safety training part of your staff induction process and continuing to update and involve staff in health and safety promotes a positive health and safety culture.


Health & Safety Training Courses At Project Skills Solutions

Here at Project Skills Solutions we offer a diverse range of health and safety training courses suitable for all kinds of roles. With our expert trainers, nationwide training centres and competitive prices, you’ll be guaranteed to find a course suitable for you.

So don’t waste anytime and book your course today! For further details of all the courses we offer at Project Skills Solutions click here.


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About Project Skills Solutions

Project Skills Solutions have been providing NRSWA training to individuals and companies since 2004. Our team are trained to give you the very best advice in your course selection and focussed on customer service.
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