One in seven UK workers have been injured at work in the last 12 months

New research has revealed that one in seven UK workers have suffered an injury at work in the last months, with nearly nine in ten requiring further assistance or a period of recovery (89%).

For World Day for Health and Safety at Work, law firm Slater and Gordon conducted research amongst UK workers to understand the reality behind workplace injuries. Employers have a legal responsibility to keep their employees safe, yet the new figures raise serious questions if health and safety is being treated as a true priority.

The data highlights how many workplace injuries are often preventable. Among workers injured in the past year, 28% were injured due to slips, trips and falls, shortly followed by heavy lifting (26%) and 26% experienced falls from a height. These injuries indicate potential gaps in safety precautions.

Other cause for injuries also included poor housekeeping, equipment hazards, or chemical exposure, further suggesting a failure of duty by employers in basic workplace safety.

The impact of workplace injuries can be long-lasing. O one in four injured workers required time off work, while 18% said their physical health never fully returned to pre-accident levels. Shockingly, 16% were encouraged to leave their industry altogether, highlighting how workplace injuries can make an impact to performance, careers and livelihoods.

For some, the impact was not only physical. A further 16% said their mental health suffered, with injuries also causing an emotional toll.

Despite this, 14% admit that they never reported their injury. Of those, 21% felt embarrassed or didn’t want to come across as dramatic. The findings also exposed concerns around prevention, with two in five workers saying they had not received effective health and safety training.

Bob Miller, senior associate solicitor, adds, “The data shows that employers must do better in protecting their employees. This starts from effective training plans in place, risk management, regular safety reviews, as well as empowering their employers to report any incidents or dangers, without fear.”

“The figures are an unfortunate reflection that some employers are still failing in their legal duties, with real consequences for employees including physical injury, mental health impacts and even long-term harm.”

“For World Day for Health and Safety at Work, I strongly encourage employers to reflect if they are doing everything they can to protect their employees. Employers have a duty of care to put practical measures in place to prevent avoidable injuries.”