The State of Workplace Health and Safety in 2024: Key Insights from the Latest HSE Report 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has unveiled its annual statistics for work-related health and safety in Great Britain for 2023–2024. This year, we celebrate 50 years of the Health and Safety Act. Since its commencement, we can see that these figures have improved. However, there are still significant challenges related to workplace incidents and illnesses, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining a strong health and safety culture across all industries, particularly in high-risk sectors like construction. 

Key statistics at a glance 

The HSE report highlights both encouraging trends and persistent risks: 

• 1.7 million workers are suffering from work-related illnesses. 

• 776,000 cases of work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. 

• 543,000 cases of musculoskeletal disorders, with 52% caused by manual handling. 

• 2,257 mesothelioma deaths in 2022, reflecting the lingering effects of asbestos exposure. 

• 138 workplace fatalities, marking a rise compared to previous years. 

• 604,000 injuries at work, reported by the Labour Force Survey. 

• 33.7 million working days lost due to work-related illness and injuries. 

• £21.6 billion in costs associated with injuries and ill health (2022–2023). 

While the overall trends show improvement, certain areas, such as fatalities and mental health challenges, continue to demand attention. 

A focus on construction: High risks, no room for complacency 

The construction sector remains one of the most high-risk industries in the UK. Competitive pressures can tempt businesses to cut corners, but the consequences of neglecting health and safety are too severe. 

Falls from height

With 52% of falls from height occurring in construction, this remains a critical risk area. SafeContractor’s detailed question set covers essential topics such as access equipment, MEWP training, ladders, and rope access, to help businesses mitigate these risks. 

Non-Fatal injuries

Construction also sees high rates of manual handling injuries, slips, trips, and falls, and other everyday hazards. SafeWorkforce offers practical training solutions and guidance to reduce the prevalence of these incidents. 

Musculoskeletal disorders

The HSE reports that 52% of musculoskeletal disorders in construction are linked to manual handling. Through SafeWorkforce, businesses can access tailored assessments and guidance to reduce strain and improve ergonomics for workers. 

Dale Jones, Alcumus SafeContractor’s Technical Director, notes: 

“The HSE statistics for 2023/24 highlight persistent and concerning challenges in the UK construction sector. With 51 fatalities reported—an increase from 47 in the previous year—construction remains one of the most hazardous industries, accounting for nearly a third of all workplace deaths. The sector’s fatality rate is nearly five times higher than the all-industry average, with falls from height being the leading cause of fatal accidents, followed by incidents involving moving vehicles and collapsing structures. 

“Construction also faces growing pressures, including labour shortages, economic challenges, high interest rates, and rising costs for materials and energy. These factors could exacerbate risks if corners are cut, or safety measures are not followed. Recent trends suggest that fatality rates in construction have risen significantly compared to the pre-pandemic period, further underscoring the urgent need for proactive risk management.” 

Dale goes on to emphasise: 

“The importance of addressing these risks cannot be overstated. Robust safety protocols, effective training, and strict adherence to regulations are essential to preventing incidents. Prioritising worker safety by improving competence, investing in better equipment, and fostering a culture of safety is critical for the construction sector to meet its challenges while safeguarding lives.”

Addressing ill health: The hidden danger 

Beyond visible injuries, work-related ill health often flies under the radar. Mental health issues like stress and anxiety account for a significant portion of the 1.7 million cases reported. Ill health also results in more lost working days than injuries. 

SafeHR provides tools to support employees struggling with mental health challenges, from stress awareness programs to return-to-work support. Addressing these hidden dangers is essential to improving workforce wellbeing and productivity. 

Recommendations: Where to start 

• Focus on four key areas

  To significantly reduce risks, businesses must address the four leading causes of non-fatal injuries: falls from height, manual handling, slips, and trips. SafeWorkforce and SafeContractor can help you manage these hazards effectively, with SafeWorkforce providing the expertise to implement robust risk management strategies and SafeContractor ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. 

• Adopt the basics of risk management

  Conduct thorough risk assessments and develop clear method statements for high-risk tasks. These foundational steps can have a massive impact on workplace safety. 

• Address ill health proactively

  Prioritise manual handling training to reduce musculoskeletal disorders and implement mental health resources to support employee wellbeing. SafeWorkforce and SafeHR offer tailored solutions to help businesses take action in these areas. 

• Stay updated on legislation

  Regularly review and adapt policies to align with the latest health and safety regulations. SafeContractor certification ensures your business remains compliant and prepared for any regulatory changes. 

The role of Alcumus SafeContractor 

At Alcumus SafeContractor, we’re committed to supporting businesses in creating safer, healthier workplaces through our suite of solutions: 

• SafeContractor: Helps businesses meet the highest safety standards, stay compliant, and reduce workplace risks. 

• SafeHR: Offers comprehensive employee support, including mental health programs and HR tools to ensure compliance and foster workforce wellbeing. 

• SafeWorkforce: Provides tailored training and resources to equip employees with the knowledge and skills to work safely, especially in high-risk industries like construction. 

These tools and programs empower businesses to address both visible risks and hidden dangers, creating safer environments for everyone. 

A final thought 

As Dale Jones says: “While the UK remains one of the safest places to work globally, complacency is not an option. Economic pressures may challenge businesses, but there’s no excuse for cutting corners on safety. Every worker deserves to go home safe at the end of the day.” 

By focusing on proactive measures and leveraging the right tools, we can continue to reduce workplace risks and improve health and safety standards for all. 

Together, let’s build a safer future.