A review of the 2023/24 HSE accident statistics

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its accident and illness statistics for 2023-2024, providing a comprehensive overview of workplace safety in the UK.

The figures reveal critical trends that highlight the importance of effective health and safety practices across various industries.

Workplace injuries return to pre-COVID levels

In 2023/24, 138 workers tragically lost their lives in workplace accidents, with fatal injury rates aligning with pre-COVID levels.

The construction sector accounted for the highest number of fatalities, with 51 deaths recorded. The agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector followed with 23 fatalities.

The Labour Force Survey reports a total of 604,000 self-reported workplace injuries during the year, marking an increase compared to previous periods.

Of these, 61,663 injuries were officially reported to the HSE due to their severity, involving more than seven days of lost work or specified injuries such as fractures.

Alarmingly, nearly one-third of these injuries resulted from slips, trips, and falls – an area where preventive measures can have significant impact.

Health and safety beyond injuries

The toll of workplace injuries and illnesses on productivity remains substantial. In 2023-2024, 4.1 million working days were lost due to non-fatal injuries. However, this pales in comparison to the 29.6 million days lost due to ill health.

This contrast underscores the need for businesses to address health-related challenges as part of their occupational safety strategies.

Among the 1.7 million workers estimated to have experienced a work-related illness, 776,000 (46%) cases were attributed to stress, depression, or anxiety.

These figures highlight the necessity for organisations to invest in mental health support and promote employee well-being.

Supporting safer workplaces

At Aegis, we are committed to helping organisations create safer, healthier environments for their teams. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive health and safety services.