The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its annual statistics for 2023/24, shedding light on the ongoing challenges of work-related ill health and injuries. The figures are both a reflection of progress and a call to action for employers to take preventive measures.
The Key Findings for 2023/24
In the 2023/24 period, 1.7 million workers were reported to be suffering from work-related ill health, which is in line with the previous year. However, the rate of ill health remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the continued impact of mental health issues and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
- 33.7 million working days were lost in 2023/24 due to work-related ill health and injury:
- 16.4 million days lost to stress, depression, and anxiety (SDA)
- 7.8 million days lost to MSDs
- 6.8 million days lost to workplace injuries
- 17.7 million days lost to other forms of ill health
In total, SDA and MSDs accounted for the majority of work-related days lost, with 21.1 days lost per case of SDA and 14.3 days per case of MSD.
On average, this translates to 15.5 days off work per worker due to these conditions. With 1.25 working days lost per worker across all sectors, the impact of work-related ill health on both workers and businesses remains significant.
The Cost of Inaction
The estimated cost of workplace injury and new cases of work-related ill health for 2022/23 was £21.6 billion. While the exact figure for 2023/24 has not yet been released, the financial burden remains substantial. This includes the direct costs of absenteeism, lost productivity, and long-term health consequences, but also reflects the wider costs to businesses and the economy. The figures from the HSE highlight that failing to address the root causes of mental health issues, MSDs, and other work-related illnesses not only impacts employees’ health but can also have severe financial implications for companies.
Taking Action: Preventing Work-Related Ill Health and Promoting Wellbeing
The big question for businesses is: What steps are you taking to prevent work-related ill health in your organisation? Here are some proactive steps businesses can take to protect the wellbeing of their employees:
Foster a Positive Workplace Culture:
Building an environment where employees feel valued and supported is essential. Regular communication and training can help managers identify early signs of stress or discomfort. Ensure there is a safe space for employees to raise concerns, and encourage open dialogue on health issues. In sectors like office-based roles, healthcare, and retail, this is especially crucial to avoid escalating mental health challenges and physical strain. Involving employees in wellbeing initiatives or seeking feedback on their health concerns can make these initiatives more effective, as employees feel more invested in the process.
Invest in Ergonomics:
Many musculoskeletal disorders result from poorly designed workstations. Conducting DSE (Display Screen Equipment) workstation assessments and educating staff on the importance of posture, ergonomics, and movement can significantly reduce these risks. This may include providing ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and encouraging regular short breaks and movement. Wellbeing workshops focused on ergonomics can also be a valuable addition. These can help employees better understand the risks associated with poor posture and how to make small adjustments to their workstations and daily habits to improve comfort and reduce strain. By reducing strain through better ergonomics, employees can improve both comfort and productivity, benefiting overall company performance.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting Training:
In addition to workstation ergonomics, consider manual handling and lifting training for employees involved in physical tasks. Training employees on safe lifting techniques and reducing physical strain can help prevent injuries, particularly in industries where physical tasks are common, such as healthcare, retail, and construction.
Support Mental Health:
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Offer resources like Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), stress management training, and regular check-ins to address stress, depression, and anxiety related issues. Regular stress assessments can help identify workplace stressors early, allowing businesses to address potential risks before they escalate into serious health concerns.
Encourage Regular Breaks:
Encourage microbreaks and ensure employees take time away from their desks. Regular stretching, walking, or even a few moments of mindfulness can reduce stress and physical strain, especially in office-based environments where sedentary work is common. Taking breaks helps refresh mental clarity and reduce the negative effects of prolonged desk time.
Use Data to Inform Interventions:
Analyse absence and health data to target interventions effectively. Understanding trends in health-related issues will help businesses prioritise areas for improvement and provide solutions tailored to employee needs. Regularly tracking the impact of your wellness initiatives will allow for continuous improvement.
Linking Financial Benefits:
Investing in prevention not only benefits employees’ health but also makes financial sense for businesses. Improved productivity, reduced turnover, and fewer absenteeism costs can all result from a focus on employee wellbeing. Demonstrating a clear return on investment (ROI) through these factors can help encourage organisations to prioritise health initiatives.
A Call to Action
The latest statistics from the HSE serve as both a wake-up call and an opportunity for businesses. The small decline in working days lost is encouraging, but the prevalence of stress and musculoskeletal disorders remains troubling. Businesses that invest in prevention will not only protect their employees’ wellbeing but also enhance their long-term performance and resilience.
So, what steps is your organisation taking to reduce work-related ill health? Now is the time to invest in prevention strategies that protect your employees and your bottom line.
If you’re ready to take steps to protect your employees’ health and improve your organisation’s performance, contact us today. Let us help you create a safer, healthier workplace for everyone.
