Health and Safety Statistics – 2023

As published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the latest statistics on work-related health and safety in Great Britain, include the following key annual figures (2022 to 2023):

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

  • 875,000 workers suffering 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 accidents
• 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 to 2022)

Changes over time:

In the recent years prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the rate of self-reported workrelated stress, depression or anxiety had shown signs of increasing. The current rate is higher than the 2018/19 precoronavirus level.

Over the long-term, the rate of fatal injury to workers showed a downward trend, though in the recent years prior to the coronavirus pandemic the rate had been broadly flat. The current rate is similar to pre-coronavirus levels.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the rate of non fatal injury to employees reported by employers showed a downward trend. The current rate is below the 2018/19 pre-coronavirus level.

The UK consistently has one of the lowest rates of fatal injury across Europe.

To read the full summary statistics for Great Britain 2023, please click here.