New data has shown that slips, trips and falls account for 29% of non-fatal employee injuries. The HSE has released the yearly UK workplace fatality figures, and it poses both positive and negative results.

Here, we’ll look at what the data has revealed and the overall downward trend of non-fatal work injuries. 

Understanding the figures

The new figures released by HSE, show an overall drop in fatal and non-fatal injuries within the workplace. This is certainly positive news in the health and safety sector. 

Since 1974, figures show that fatal injuries to employees have dropped by a staggering 84%. Non-fatal injuries have also dropped over the years, with the latest figures showing that slips, trips and falls are the most common at 29%. In 2007 and 2008, slips, trips and falls accounted for four out of every ten major workplace injury. As expected, the risks of injury are also higher within certain professions.

Construction industry sees rise in fatal workplace injuries

One interesting statistic the new figures revealed, is that the construction industry has seen a rise in fatal injuries. This is obviously a concern despite overall figures showing a decline. 

Between 2017 and 2018, figures showed that 38 construction workers died in workplace related injuries. This was an increase of 27%. While the incidence is still fairly low, it does highlight that more needs to be done within the construction industry to improve the safety of its workers.

The downward trend of non-fatal injuries

While some sectors have seen an increase in fatalities, the overall injury rate is dropping. There are a number of reasons for this, with more education in health and safety one of the big ones. Employers today have a lot more legal requirements when it comes to health and safety in the workplace. They also provide a lot more training than was once provided.

You also have the increase in insurance claims, which has forced employers to be more stringent in their health and safety policies. Personal injury lawyers, National Accident Law, make it easier for employees to seek the compensation and justice they deserve when a non-fatal injury occurs.  

Employers are also more aware of the negative impact downtime can have on the business. So, if an employee is to become injured at work, it can have a negative impact on sales and productivity. This leads them to make health and safety in the workplace a priority.

Overall, these latest figures show that real progress is being made within workplace safety. It also highlights the sectors which still require work to improve their fatal and nonfatal injury rates. 

Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine | The Home of Manufacturing Industry News