The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its Health and Safety at Work: Summary Statistics for Great Britain 2025 report. It gives a clear picture of the scale of work-related injuries and ill health across the UK, and why health and safety really matters day to day.
Some of the headline figures from the report are eye-opening:
- 1.9 million working people suffering from a work-related illness, of which
- 964,000 workers suffering work-related stress, depression or anxiety
- 511,000 workers suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder
- 2,218 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures (2023)
- 124 workers killed in work-related accidents
- 680,000 working people sustained an injury at work according to the Labour Force Survey
- 59,219 injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR
- 40.1 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury
- £22.9 billion estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions (2023/24)
These figures show that work-related ill health is still a bigger issue than accidents alone. Stress, mental health, and musculoskeletal problems continue to affect a huge number of people, while serious injuries and fatalities remain a very real risk in high-risk industries like construction, utilities, and manufacturing.
Why this matters for businesses
The takeaway for businesses is simple: health and safety isn’t just a box to tick. It’s about identifying the real risks people face and putting sensible controls in place. Doing so protects workers, reduces disruption, and helps businesses run more efficiently.
Practical steps like clear risk assessments, easy-to-follow method statements, regular inspections, and effective training all make a real difference. It’s not about overcomplicating things, it’s about keeping people safe while work gets done.
Our approach at Acreditsafe
At Acreditsafe, we focus on practical, proportionate health and safety that actually works for the business. We help organisations manage risk without unnecessary paperwork, keeping teams safe, confident, and compliant.
Reports like the HSE Summary Statistics are a reminder of why this work matters. Every number in this report represents a real person and a real opportunity to prevent harm through sensible, well-managed health and safety.
You can read the full HSE Summary Statistics for Great Britain 2025 report here:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/assets/docs/hssh2425.pdf
If you’d like support with risk assessments, method statements, inspections, training, or wider health and safety management, get in touch, we’d be happy to help.