The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today (Thursday 20 November) published its annual statistics on work-related ill health and workplace injuries for 2024/25.

The figures show that an estimated 1.9 million workers suffered from work-related ill health during 2024/25, remaining broadly consistent with the levels seen in recent years.

While the recent rates of self-reported work-related ill health are similar, they continue to be higher than pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2018/19.

Mental health conditions remain the primary driver of work-related ill health, with 964,000 workers reporting stress, depression or anxiety caused or made worse by work in 2024/25. This is in line with the upward trend in recent years.

Work-related ill health and injuries resulted in an estimated 40.1 million working days lost in 2024/25, continuing to place significant pressure on both workers and businesses.

HSE Chief Executive Sarah Albon said: “Great Britain maintains its position as one of the safest places to work globally, built on more than 50 years of health and safety regulation. However, these statistics demonstrate that workplace health challenges persist, particularly around mental health.

“We remain firmly committed to protecting people and places, supporting businesses to create healthier working environments, and ensuring continuous improvement in workplace safety standards across Britain.”

The statistics also highlight the economic impact of workplace health and safety issues. In 2023/24, the estimated annual cost of workplace injuries and new cases of work-related ill health reached £22.9 billion, similar to the estimate for 2022/23.

Fatal and non-fatal workplace injuries in 2024/25 totalled 124 worker fatalities and an estimated 680,000 self-reported non-fatal injuries.

Notes to editors:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. Details on HSE’s work-related mental health campaign, Working Minds, can be found here Working Minds – Work Right
3. Details on HSE’s 10-year strategy can be found here HSE strategy 2022 to 2032 – About us – HSE.
4. HSE’s annual statistics on work-related ill health and workplace injuries for 2024/25 can be found here – Health and safety statistics – HSE
5. The annual costs are based on three-year rolling average, with the named year based on the middle year of the three, for example 2022/23, 2023/24, 2024/25 average is referred to as 2023/24.

Two UK companies have been honoured for their innovative workplace safety designs that reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in their operations. 

Ainscough Crane Hire has won the MSD Risk Reduction through Design Award 2024/25, while UPM Raflatac Ltd has received the Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) Recognition Award. Both awards, sponsored by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), were presented at CIEHF’s annual awards ceremony on 28 April 2025. 

Ainscough Crane Hire developed a specialised brake and hub assembly tool set that eliminates the need for workers to manually handle heavy components weighing up to 52kg during crane maintenance. Previously, plant fitters had to adopt awkward postures in restricted spaces beneath crane wheel arches, placing significant stress on their lower backs. 

“Taking the strain out of crane maintenance has been a priority for us,” said an Ainscough Crane Hire spokesperson.

“Our maintenance and engineering colleagues collaborated to design a solution that eliminates the need to handle brake and hub assembly components.” 

A worker at Ainscough Crane Hire added: “The new tools mean brake inspections are much easier to carry out. There is no need to lift the heavy drums by hand, which previously took two people.” 

UPM Raflatac Ltd, based in Scarborough, created an ingenious trolley system for handling heavy paper reels weighing between 20kg and 90kg. The solution was proposed by a worker to eliminate manual lifting and stacking of offcut reels. 

“Our solution was truly collaborative,” said a UPM Raflatac spokesperson. “A worker proposed an initial idea, and our in-house production and engineering departments worked together to design a solution that would transform our handling processes.” 

Chris Quarrie, Chartered Ergonomist and Human Factors specialist and chair of this year’s judging panel, said: “We applaud both Ainscough Crane Hire and UPM Raflatac for their contributions towards reducing workplace MSD risks to their workers. These awards demonstrate how MSD risks can be designed out of daily work activities.” 

Iris Mynott from CIEHF added: “Through these recognitions, we highlight the impactful contributions of businesses in advancing workplace safety. Congratulations to our winners and all the entrants for their dedication to ergonomic improvements.” 

For further details on the winners and their innovative designs, visit: https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/msd-awards.htm 

Further information: 

1. For more information on the award winners visit: https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/msd-awards.htm.
2. More information about Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) can be found here: https://ergonomics.org.uk/.
3. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We prevent work-related death, injury and ill health through regulatory actions that range from influencing behaviours across whole industry sectors through to targeted interventions on individual businesses. These activities are supported by globally recognised scientific expertise. 
4. HSE news releases are available at http://press.hse.gov.uk.