Workplace safety is a fundamental responsibility for all employers, yet injuries in the workplace remain a persistent issue across many industries. Even in environments that appear low-risk, accidents can and do occur, often with serious consequences.

According to the latest workplace injury statistics, thousands of workers experience injuries in the workplace every year. While some incidents result in minor harm, others lead to long-term physical and emotional effects. Serious workplace injuries can also disrupt business operations, highlight failures in safety protocols, and, in some cases, result in legal consequences for employers.

Understanding the most common causes of injury at work is essential in preventing accidents. By recognising risks and implementing effective safety measures, employers can fulfil their duty of care and create a safer working environment. In this blog, we examine the most common injuries in the workplace, their causes, and the steps that can be taken to minimise risk.

What Is a Workplace Injury?

A workplace injury refers to any harm or damage that an employee suffers while performing their job-related duties. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe conditions such as broken bones, head trauma, or even fatalities. Workplace injuries can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, affecting their ability to work, their overall wellbeing and their financial stability.

How Many Workplace Injuries Occur Each Year?

Workplace injury data provides valuable insight into the risks employees face across different industries. According to the latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 138 workers were killed in work-related accidents in Great Britain in 2023/24. This marks an increase from the previous year, highlighting the ongoing need for stringent safety measures.

In addition to fatalities, non-fatal injuries remain a significant issue. The survey estimates that 561,000 workers sustained a non-fatal injury in the workplace in 2023/24. Of these, 60,645 injuries were reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), meaning they resulted in at least seven days of absence or were categorised as serious incidents.

These statistics emphasise the importance of workplace safety measures and employer responsibility. While certain industries, such as construction and manufacturing, report higher rates of incidents, injuries at the workplace can happen in any setting. Employers must take proactive steps to protect their workforce and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Injury at Work?

Understanding the leading causes of common workplace accidents is essential for improving safety and preventing injuries. According to the HSE, the most common cause of non-fatal workplace injuries in 2022/23 was slips, trips and falls on the same level, accounting for 31% of all reported incidents.

These accidents can happen in any workplace, from offices and retail spaces to warehouses and construction sites. Wet or uneven flooring, loose wires, poor lighting, and obstructions in walkways are all common causes. While they may seem minor, slips, trips and falls can lead to serious injuries, including fractures, head injuries and long-term musculoskeletal issues.

Other significant causes of workplace injuries include:

• Handling, lifting or carrying: 17% of reported injuries.
• Struck by a moving object: 10% of reported injuries.
• Acts of violence: 9% of reported injuries.
• Falls from height: 8% of reported injuries.

Slips, trips, and falls remain the most common cause of injury at work year after year, despite being highly preventable. Employers should take proactive steps to minimise hazards, such as ensuring work areas are well-maintained, free from obstructions and that employees receive proper training on workplace safety.

Other Most Common Workplace Injuries and Their Causes

While slips, trips and falls are the most common workplace injuries, there are four other large contributors to the majority of accidents at work.

1. Handling, Lifting or Carrying Injuries

Handling, lifting, and carrying accidents account for 17% of workplace injuries. These injuries often result from:

• Lifting heavy loads without proper lifting techniques
• Repetitive strain from frequent lifting
• Lack of training on correct manual handling procedures

2. Being Struck by a Moving Object

These incidents make up 10% of workplace injuries and commonly happen in environments where equipment, tools, or vehicles are used. Common causes include:

• Falling or unsecured objects
• Collisions with workplace machinery or vehicles
• Improperly stored tools or equipment

3. Falls from Height

Falls from height account for 8% of workplace injuries and are among the leading causes of fatal accidents. They often result from:

• Working on ladders, scaffolding, or roofs without proper safety measures
• Poorly maintained or faulty equipment
• Lack of protective barriers or fall prevention measures

4. Acts of Violence in the Workplace

Workplace violence is responsible for 9% of reported workplace injuries and can stem from:

• Conflicts between colleagues or customers
• High-stress work environments
• Lack of conflict resolution policies

Is it a Legal Requirement to Keep a Record of All Workplace Injuries?

Employers in the UK have a legal obligation to record certain workplace injuries under RIDDOR. This ensures that serious incidents are documented and investigated to improve workplace safety.

What Workplace Injuries Must Be Recorded?

Under RIDDOR, employers, self-employed individuals, and those in control of work premises must report:

• Fatal accidents: any work-related fatality must be reported immediately.
• Serious injuries: this includes fractures (excluding fingers, thumbs, and toes), amputations, loss of sight, and serious burns.
• Injuries leading to over seven days of absence: if an employee is unable to work for more than seven consecutive days due to a workplace injury, it must be reported.
• Occupational diseases: conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, vibration-related injuries, and occupational dermatitis must be recorded if they are caused by workplace activities.
• Dangerous occurrences: near-miss events that could have resulted in serious injury, such as structural collapses or gas leaks, must also be reported.

Why Is it Important to Keep Records of Workplace Injuries?

Employers are required to keep an accident book in workplaces with ten or more employees or where it is legally required due to specific industry regulations. Recording injuries at the workplace helps to:

• Identify risks and prevent future accidents: regularly reviewing records helps employers improve workplace safety
• Ensure legal compliance: failing to report workplace injuries can lead to legal consequences, including fines or enforcement action by the HSE
• Support compensation claims: if an employee suffers an injury due to negligence, accurate records can provide crucial evidence in a workplace injury claim

Employers who fail to comply with RIDDOR regulations may face legal action, including prosecution and financial penalties. Maintaining thorough and accurate records not only demonstrates compliance but also helps create a safer working environment for all employees.

Preventing Injuries at the Workplace

It’s essential for employers to take proactive steps to prevent workplace injuries by identifying potential hazards, providing appropriate safety equipment and training, and fostering a culture of safety within the workplace. By doing so, employers can reduce the risk of workplace injuries and protect their employees’ health and wellbeing.

To prevent workplace injuries, employers must:

• Conduct risk assessments: identify hazards and implement control measures to reduce risks.
• Conduct regular noise assessments: identify high-risk areas and implement necessary controls to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
• Provide proper training: give employees safety training relevant to their role.
• Maintain safe equipment and workspaces: regularly inspect machinery, tools, and work environments, and provide appropriate personal protective equipment where necessary to prevent accidents.
• Keep accurate injury records: comply with RIDDOR by documenting and reporting serious workplace injuries.
• Promote a safety-first culture: encourage employees to report hazards and follow safety procedures.

By taking these steps, employers can fulfil their legal obligations and create a safer workplace for all employees.