In 2023/24, an estimated 604,000 workers in the UK sustained non-fatal injuries, with 21% of them resulting in over seven days of absence. Combined with workplace-related illness, these injuries led to 33.7 million lost working days, which significantly impacted businesses and the economy. However, new data suggests that cities and companies prioritising workplace safety investments see fewer workplace injuries, lower costs, and increased employee satisfaction.
As companies face increasing pressure to create safer working environments, some UK cities and businesses are setting the standard by investing in advanced safety measures, training, and equipment, such as shelving, racking, and handling access solutions from BiGDUG.
Key Findings:
- The UK averages 1,890 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, though some regions report significantly higher or lower rates.
- The transportation and storage industry saw 28% workplace injuries resulting in absences over seven days, costing £1.3 billion in 2022/23.
- London has the lowest non-fatal injury rate in the UK, with 1,190 cases per 100,000 workers.
- Over the last decade, Birmingham was identified as having the highest number of reported workplace injuries in the UK, with 809 incidents per capita (10,000 people).
- Amazon, Severfield plc, and Pret a Manger have heavily invested in their workplace safety, which has led to reduced injury rates and increased productivity and talent retention.
- Slips, trips, and falls (31%) and handling/lifting accidents (17%) are the leading causes of non-fatal workplace injuries.
- Only 50% of non-fatal injuries are officially reported, potentially underestimating the true impact.
- In 2023/24, Scotland and North West England had the highest fatal injury rates among UK regions, with 0.65 and 0.62 fatalities, respectively, per 100,000 workers.
The Best and Worst Areas in the UK for Workplace Safety
London leads the way with the lowest rate of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK, with 1,190 cases per 100,000 workers, which is well below the national average. Other notable areas include Reading, Windsor and Maidenhead, Brighton, and Bristol, which reported 93, 103, 106, and 107 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers–under half the national average.
Birmingham has consistently ranked as one of the most unsafe cities for workers, with over 1,000 employees reporting injury in the last year alone. Leeds and Glasgow also report above-average injury rates, with Leeds having 778 incidents in 2022/23. South West England has the highest regional non-fatal injury rate of 2,480 per 100,000 workers.
The Case for Investing in Workplace Safety
Investing in workplace safety isn’t simply about compliance; it can benefit businesses both financially and operationally. Companies that prioritise their employees’ safety see lower absenteeism, reduced compensation costs, and improved employee satisfaction, which leads to higher productivity.
Industries Most at Risk of Workplace Injuries
The following industries report injury rates significantly higher than the national average:
- Construction: High exposure to falls, heavy machinery accidents, and manual handling injuries.
- Accommodation and Food Services: Frequent slip-and-fall incidents and risks related to kitchen equipment.
- Wholesale and Retail Trade: Employee injuries due to lifting, carrying, and warehouse accidents.
- Transportation and storage: 2.4% of workers sustain workplace injuries annually, costing the industry £1.3 billion in 2022/23. 46% of work-related illnesses are from musculoskeletal disorders, or 1.9% of workers in this sector, which is significantly higher than that for workers across all industries (1.2%)
Case Studies: Companies Setting a New Standard for Workplace Safety
- Amazon has over 50% fewer injuries than other transportation and warehousing businesses. By investing in the employment of over 369 safety professionals across the company in the UK, designing safe buildings, and integrating robotic technology to reduce physical demands, Amazon reported 531 per 100,000 employees in 2021, less than half of the UK’s 1,104. This led to lower absenteeism, increased operational efficiency, and reduced legal claims and insurance costs.
- Severfield plc has demonstrated a commitment to safety with a declining Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) over the years-from 0.22 in 2018 to 0.14 in 2023. Their AFR has consistently been lower than the industry average, showcasing their dedication to maintaining a safe work environment.
- Pret a Manger invested in staff safety measures, such as body cameras and enhanced security protocols, following an increase in retail crime and workplace abuse. This commitment to staff safety reduced workplace violence incidents, which in turn can result in increased employee satisfaction and retention, as well as improved business performance and reputation.
Conclusion: Why Investing in Safety Protocols and Equipment is Essential for Businesses
These findings show that investing in workplace safety improves employee satisfaction, reduces business costs, and enhances productivity. Cities like London, where businesses prioritise safety, experience lower injury rates and stronger economic performance. Meanwhile, areas like Birmingham, with higher injury rates, can face greater financial and operational setbacks due to employee absences.
Leading businesses such as Amazon, Severfield, and Pret a Manger showcase how strategic safety investments yield great results. As industries with high injury risks—including transportation, construction, and retail—continue to grow, prioritising employee well-being through safety protocols is both ethically and economically beneficial.