When it comes to work-related ill health and accidents, the UK fares better than other large countries in the EU. However, as we work with the individuals affected by poor workplace health and safety, we know that the impact on one person and their families can be enormous.
New statistics have been released that show the scale of workplace accidents and ill health for 2018. It gives us a perspective on the key areas of concern, high-risk industries and the costs to Britain.
Key Facts. In 2017/18:
- 1.4 million work-related ill health cases new or longstanding. That’s more than the population of Birmingham!
- Half a million cases of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, new or longstanding.
- 0.6 million non-fatal injuries to workers, based on self-reporting. But only 71,062 144 non-fatal injuries were reported by employers.
- 144 people died from a workplace injury.
- 30.7 million working days have been lost due to work-related ill health and non-fatal injuries. This has an effect on businesses but also on employees who may not be getting appropriate sick pay for their time off. This could cause financial hardship for workers and their families.
12,000 lung disease deaths each year estimated to be linked to past exposure to harmful substances at work.
Work-Related Ill Health:
- 541,000 workers suffering from a new case of work related ill health in 2017/18.
- 26.8 million working days lost due to work related ill health in 2017/18.
Self reported work related ill health has shown a gradual decline over the years, until 2011/12. Since then the rate has been broadly flat. Stress, depression and anxiety are the most common illnesses, and musculoskeletal problems follow, accounting for 35% of cases and 25% of working days lost.
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders:
- Manual handling, awkward or tiring positions and keyboard work or repetitive action are estimated to be the main causes of work related musculoskeletal disorders based on 2009/10-2011/12 LFS data.
- 469,000 Workers suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (new or longstanding) in 2017/18.
- 156,000 Workers suffering from a new case of work-related musculoskeletal disorder in 2017/18.
- 6.6 million Working days lost due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders in 2017/18.
Affected areas:
- 42% – Upper limbs or neck.
- 40% – Back.
- 18% – Lower limbs.
High Risk Industries:
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing.
- Construction.
- Transportation and storage.
- Public admin and defence.
- Health and social care.
Occupational Lung Disease
- 12,000 Lung disease deaths each year estimated to be linked to past exposures at work.
- 2,595 Mesothelioma deaths in 2016, with a similar number of lung cancer deaths linked to past exposures to asbestos.
- 20,000 New cases of breathing or lung problems caused or made worse by work each year on average over the last three years.
Lung diseases contributing to estimated current annual deaths:
- 32% COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
- 22% Non asbestos-related lung cancer.
- 20% Mesothelioma.
- 20% Asbestos-related lung cancer.
- 5% Other diseases.
Workplace Injury
- 135,000 Injuries caused over 7 days absence from work.
- There has been a general long-term downward trend over the years in workplace injuries; including fatalities, self-reporting and employer reporting. This shows that health and safety education as well as employer accountability has improved over time.
Common Workplace Injuries:
- 31% Slips, trips and falls on the same level.
- 21% Handling, lifting, carrying.
- 10% Struck by object.
- 8% Falls from a height.
- 7% Acts of violence.
Costs to Britain
The total cost to Britain from work-related injury and ill health is £15.0 billion. Total costs include financial and human costs, financial costs cover loss of output, health care costs and other payments. Human costs are the monetary value given to pain, grief, suffering and loss of life. 35% of the costs to Britain are due to workplace injury and 65% is due to ill health.
Whilst much of workplace injury and ill health is caused by negligence on the employer’s behalf to provide appropriate training, protective equipment and health and safety checks, employers only bear £3.0 billion of the cost. The government bears £3.4 billion of the costs. The majority of the cost falls on the injured or ill individual – £8.6 billion.
High-Risk Industries
Work-related ill health
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing.
- Human health and social work.
- Public administration/defence.
- Utility supply.
- Education.
- Construction.
Work-related injuries
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing.
- Construction.
- Mining and quarrying.
- Wholesale/retail trade.
- Manufacturing.
- Public administration/defence.
If you have been affected by a workplace injury or illness, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. We at Accident Solicitors Direct have a wealth of experience in personal injury litigation. To speak to one of our local, qualified solicitors today you can fill in our claims form and someone will get back to you to arrange a free face to face meeting within the same day. Alternatively, you can call us on our freephone line: 0800 163 622.
Speak to a solicitor about making a claim.
