HSE work-related ill health and injury statistics for 2022/23

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its annual statistics on work-related ill health and workplace injuries for 2022/23.

Key figures from the statistics

• 1.8 million working people suffering from a work-related illness, of which

-875,000 workers suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety

-473,000 workers suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder

• 2,268 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures (2021)
• 135 workers killed in work-related incidents
• 561,000 working people sustained an injury at work according to the Labour Force Survey
• 60,645 injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR
• 35.2 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury
• £20.7 billion estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions (2021/22)

Work-related fatal injuries

Of the 135 workers killed in work-related incidents in 2022/23, the construction and agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors continue to account for the greatest number of workers killed in fatal incidents each year.

The most common kinds of fatal incidents continue to be falls from height, struck by moving object and struck by moving vehicle.  Between them, they accounted for around two-thirds of fatal injuries to workers in 2022/23.

Of the 135 deaths, 99 were aged 16 to 59 and 33 were aged 60 and over.

Workplace non-fatal injuries

Details of non-fatal injuries to employees, reported under RIDDOR 2022/23, by most common types of incident are:

(Includes those incidents that account for 5% or more of the total)

HSE Enforcement

In 2022/23 the HSE investigated over 230 fatal and 5,500 non-fatal incidents. They prosecuted 216 cases with a 94% conviction rate. They issued over 8,000 notices including approximately 6,000 improvement notices and 2,000 notices prohibiting work activity that places people at risk of death/serious injury.

Advice

The HSE generally concentrate on the most serious risks and target high hazard industries and those with the worst risk management record but all employers (and employees) have a duty to properly manage health and safety.

One of the key HSE objectives is to reduce work-related ill health with a specific focus on mental health and stress.  Organisations should prioritise stress management in the workplace and the HSE has produced a Management Standard to assist.  It provides a useful starting point by looking at six key areas:

• Demands – are there issues with workload, work patterns and the work environment?
• Control – how much say do people have in the way they do their work?
• Support – do employees receive the encouragement, resources and support they need?
• Relationships – are you promoting a positive working culture?
• Role – do people understand their role and are the responsibilities and expectations clear?
• Change – Upheaval and uncertainty can lead to anxiety and stress and how the organisation manages and communicates change is key.

Employers should focus on the suitability of their risk assessments as these are a valuable tool in managing all sorts of workplace health and safety risks, including stress.  Method statements can also help ensure that work is properly planned.  This is particularly important in high-risk sectors such as construction so that, for example, work at height is properly planned, appropriate equipment is used and operatives are adequately trained and competent.

Working with Keoghs

Keoghs national crime and regulatory team deals with all aspects of regulatory investigations and prosecutions arising from incidents in the workplace, on the road or in public places.

We have years of experience in handling investigations and prosecutions for corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety, food safety, environmental matters, motor crime and coroner inquests.

We understand the financial, reputational and operational pressures that investigations by criminal enforcement agencies can place on clients. In these challenging times, we provide advice and guidance in the hours, days and weeks following an incident. Our team approach ensures that advice is given at every step of our engagement, enabling clients to make an informed decision on how best to proceed. Above all, we put the client at the heart of what we do and our national team means that we can be on site quickly to provide the necessary support.

For more information on the HSE’s approach and how we can assist both proactively and reactively, please contact Neil Miller or any member of the Keoghs crime and regulatory team.

Author: Neil Miller - Solicitor – Keoghs crime and regulatory team

DD: 01204 677 394

M:  07971097891

E: NMiller@keoghs.co.uk