Everyone deserves to work in a safe setting and in a way in which they’re protected. But accidents and injuries at work do happen. And while most of the time workplace injuries are minor, others can be severe and life changing. Some are even fatal.
Accidents and injuries in the workplace can be devastating for employees, but they can also be disastrous for employers. A business can struggle if workers are put out of action and morale can be affected. Employers can also face costly workplace accident claims if they fail in their duty of care to keep their employees safe.
Workplace safety is an important issue that deserves plenty of attention, both from employers and employees. Here, we explain what the biggest causes of workplace injuries are, supported by work injury statistics from the Health and Safety Executive. We also highlight the importance of prevention. Plus, we’ll outline your legal options for compensation and workplace accident claims if you, or someone you know, has suffered an accident at work.
The biggest causes of workplace injuries
The following are the biggest causes of workplace injury, based on non-fatal injury statistics collected by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). All work injury statistics quoted are for 2023/24.
Slips, trips, and falls
The most common cause of workplace injury in the UK in 2023/24 was slips, trips, or falls whilst working on one level (not falling from a height), accounting for 31% of injuries.
These injuries commonly occur when:
- Floors are left wet without appropriate warning signage
- Loose or trailing cables aren’t properly secured
- Walkways are improperly lit
- Objects are left on floors
- Surfaces aren’t made safe for walking on
Employers have a responsibility to maintain safe pathways, taking steps like providing adequate lighting, ensuring proper signage that identifies hazards, and that surfaces are kept in working condition.
Regular inspections and prompt hazard mitigation can reduce or remove the trip and fall risks, as can the vigilance and reporting by employees. If an employer fails to do so and you’re injured as a result, you may be able to make a successful slip, trip or fall claim.
Manual handling, lifting, and carrying injuries
The second most common cause of workplace injuries, at 17%, is the result of improper handling, lifting and carrying of items in the workplace. This usually results in musculoskeletal injuries, like pulled muscles, other soft-tissue damage, and spinal injuries.
These injuries can be particularly debilitating, as minor strains in the back can lead to lingering and worsening back issues if they’re not properly dealt with. The risk of these injuries is especially heightened in workplaces where heavy items are routinely transported, such as warehouses and factories.
To reduce the risk of workplace injuries, employers should:
- Provide comprehensive manual handling training
- Supply ergonomic equipment where necessary
- Implement safe systems for lifting and transporting heavy loads
Employees should adopt correct lifting practices, such as bending at the knees and keeping loads close to the body.
Being struck by moving objects
From falling tools to moving vehicles, injuries caused by being struck by objects are a common workplace hazard, accounting for 10% of workplace injuries in 2023/24. Whilst minor injuries are most common, much more serious injuries can be caused in many work settings, such as high-risk environments found in construction and manufacturing.
Employers must mitigate these risks by:
- Installing protective barriers around hazardous zones
- Ensuring workers wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Enforcing safe storage practices for tools and materials
- Conducting regular risk assessments to identify risks, particularly in hazardous environments
Acts of violence in the workplace
Violence in the workplace is often not thought of as a risk at work, but it was the fourth most common cause of workplace injury in 2023/34, making up 9% of injuries. Violence can range from verbal abuse to physical assaults, creating a hostile and unsafe work environment.
Some attacks may be from fellow employees, but violence is more likely to be encountered in occupations with a high degree of contact with the public, such as in healthcare, retail, hospitality and security.
Employers have a duty of care to protect their staff from violence. Steps they can take include:
- Implementing de-escalation training
- Increasing security measures in high-risk environments
- Encouraging open communication to address threats promptly
- Taking fast and decisive action in response to threats or attacks
Falls from height
The Health and Safety Executive counts a fall from height as a fall from “any place where, if there were no precautions in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.”
Falls from height account for 8% of workplace injuries. This can include falls from ladders, scaffolding or roofs, but also falls into holes and lower levels, such as through damaged or weakened floors. Even minor falls can cause serious injuries, while falls from heights are the single greatest cause of fatalities in the workplace. Even a minor lapse in safety precautions can result in catastrophic outcomes.
Preventative measures employers should take include:
- Equipping workers with safety harnesses and helmets
- Providing up-to-date training on how to work at heights safely
- Providing secure platforms with guardrails
- Conducting routine equipment checks and maintenance
Your employer’s responsibilities and duty of care
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are legally obligated to ensure a safe working environment. This duty of care encompasses regular risk assessments, safety training, and the provision of appropriate equipment.
Key aspects of employer responsibility include:
- Identifying and mitigating workplace hazards
- Offering regular safety updates and training sessions
- Maintaining equipment and ensuring compliance with safety regulations
Employees also play a role by adhering to workplace guidelines and reporting hazards when they arise, as a collaborative approach to safety can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Your rights if you’re injured at work
If you’re injured at work, it’s essential to know your rights. Employees have the right to claim compensation if the injury was caused by employer negligence. Whether it’s a failure to maintain safe equipment, not providing the necessary training, neglecting hazard warnings, or another fault, if your employer is negligent and you’re injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation via a personal injury claim.
If you are injured at work, to strengthen your claim, follow these steps:
- Report the incident: Notify your employer immediately and ensure the injury is recorded in the workplace accident book or appropriate alternative at your place of work.
- Seek medical attention: Obtain a detailed medical report that outlines the extent of your injuries and what care you require.
- Gather evidence: Take photographs of the accident site and collect written witness statements.
- Consult a legal advisor: Contact a legal expert to help you make a personal injury claim.
How can Injury Lawyers 4U help?
If you’ve been injured at work and believe negligence played a role, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our expert legal advisors can help you get the compensation you deserve to help you recover and get back on with your life. Call us today on 0333 400 4445 or fill in a contact form and we’ll get right back to you.
