Are you one of the thousands eligible to make a work accident claim?
Last year’s HSE statistics painted a very sobering picture.
Published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in November 2023, the latest report used a variety of data sources – including surveys and surveillance schemes – to provide accurate figures on workplace injury and work-related ill health.
Unfortunately, in 2022/23, incidence rates for both were extremely high.
Here we’ve rounded up the key statistics and summarised the main headlines of the report so that it’s easier to digest. But as leading personal injury solicitors, above and beyond the numbers, there’s one take-home message that we really want to get across.
If you’re one of the workers who has suffered from an injury or illness due to your job, you should be eligible to make a work accident claim and entitled to compensation – and we can help.
Read on to learn more and contact our team of specialists today.
Health and safety at work
HSE summary statistics for Great Britain 2023
- Work-related injuries
This section can be divided into fatal and nonfatal workplace injuries.
Perhaps surprisingly, 135 workers were killed in work-related accidents in 2022/23 – with the highest fatality rates seen in agriculture, construction, manufacturing and transport. Whilst this is in line with pre-pandemic levels, it certainly isn’t an insignificant number of deaths.
With regards to nonfatal workplace injuries – according to self-reports from the Labour Force Survey, approximately 561,000 workers were affected over the 12-month period.
These latest statistics show that slips, trips and falls are still the leading cause of injuries, accounting for nearly one-third (32%) of all cases. Followed by handling, lifting or carrying (17%), being struck by a moving object (11%), falls from height (8%) and acts of violence (8%). All of which could be easily avoided by implementing robust health and safety measures.
What’s more, representing no change from the previous year, the four sectors found to have higher rates of nonfatal injuries (compared to the all-industry average) included:
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing
- Construction
- Accommodation and food service activities
- Wholesale/retail trade (including motor vehicle repair)
- Work-related ill health
A shocking 1.8 million workers suffered from work-related ill health in 2022/23.
This is significantly higher than pre-coronavirus levels and, and can be largely attributed to rising levels of mental health conditions – including work-related stress, depression and anxiety. Such conditions accounted for 875,000 (49%) of all ill-health cases, with higher than average rates mostly seen in health and social care, public admin and defence, and education.
Maintaining their position as the second highest cause of work-related ill health. Musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 27% of all cases over the year. This equated to 473,000 workers, with the upper limbs or neck and back being most affected.
In terms of occupational lung disease, 2022/23 also saw approximately 12,000 lung disease deaths – of which, 34% were attributable to COPD, 20% to mesothelioma and 20% to asbestos-related cancer. Plus, an estimated 19,000 new cases of breathing or lung problems – caused or made worse by work – were reported (this is the average over the last 3 years).
Limited progress in health and safety at work
So what do the numbers actually show?
Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much improvement in health and safety at work.
Compared to the previous year, the total number of nonfatal workplace injuries has barely changed, dropping less than 1% from 565,000 to 561,000. Such a small decrease suggests that employers may have become complacent and that there is a need for renewed focus on this matter.
With regards to work-related ill health, progress appears to be even more sluggish – with cases remaining around the 1.8 million mark. Which is much higher than it was pre-pandemic.
To put these stats into perspective, the HSE estimates that a staggering 35.2 million working days were lost in 2022/23 – specifically due to work-related ill health and injuries. Leading to an eye-watering annual cost (to the government, employers and individuals) of over £20 billion.
The unreported reality
Is it time to make an accident at work claim?
From these latest HSE statistics, it’s clear, the work health and safety picture is pretty much the same as it was the year before – with continuing high levels of work-related illness and injuries.
But what is also clear, is that those high levels aren’t translating into claims.
Data from the Claims Portal Company and the Compensation Recovery Unit (CRU) suggests that, whilst hundreds of thousands of workers have experienced some form of work-related ill health or accident at work – through the fault of their employer or workplace – most still go unreported. Which means, many people could be missing out on compensation.
This is where we come in.
If you’ve had an accident at work or are suffering due to a work-related illness, you may be unsure where to turn. Here at Injury Lawyers Direct, we understand you’re likely to be going through an extremely difficult time – especially if you’re unable to work – and we’re here to offer expert guidance and support.
As specialist personal injury solicitors, we have unrivalled experience in dealing with (and winning) workplace accident claims. And following a quick chat about your case and the impact it’s had on your day-to-day life, we can advise on your eligibility and chances of success.
An initial consultation can be provided completely free of charge, with no obligation to continue with legal action. Our skilled solicitors will provide quick and clear advice on your circumstances and talk you step-by-step through the process. And if you do wish to go ahead, all work will be completed on a ‘no win no fee’ basis – meaning zero financial risk to yourself.
So where’s the harm in getting in touch?
These latest summary statistics suggest that too many people are missing out on the opportunity to make a workplace injury claim. If you’ve been affected, it could be worth reviewing your options and seeking the financial justice you so rightly deserve.
Simply give us a call on 0800 110 5888 or fill out our online enquiry form and a member of the team will respond as soon as possible to arrange your free consultation.
