Annual Workplace Safety Report: Good but Must Do Better

With 2020 upon us it's a good time to reflect on the HSE's annual statistical report for work-related ill health, workplace injuries, working days lost, enforcement action taken, and the associated costs to Great Britain.

The headline figures show that in 2018/19 Great Britain maintains its status as one of the safest places to work. There are no significant changes to injury profiles across industries, with construction and agriculture still amongst the high-risk sectors.

• 147 fatal injuries at work
• 1.4 million working people suffering from a work-related illness
• 364 cases were prosecuted and resulted in a conviction; fines from convictions totalled £54.5 million
• 28.2 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury

It's important to remember that behind the statistics are 147 individuals who lost their life at their place of work and 364 businesses putting workers in danger with unsafe working practices. Key industry figures warned against complacency:

 “Great Britain’s position as one of the safest places to work should be a point of pride for us all, but these figures show there is still much to be done to ensure workers go home both healthy and safe," said Martin Temple, HSE Chair.