A total of 1.7 million people suffered a work-related illness last year – HSE

Figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showed a total of 1.7 million people suffered from a work-related illness last year (2023-24).

Number In the HSE’s latest annual statistics It is broadly similar to the 1.8 million working days reported by the HSE for 2022-23 and resulted in an estimated 33.7 million working days being lost due to self-reported work-related health problems or injuries.

The HSE said self-reported work-related illnesses were also broadly similar to the previous year, but the current rate was still higher than the 2018/19 pre-pandemic level.

Of those who report poor health, nearly half are due to stress, depression, or anxiety; Estimated 776,000 cases in 2023-24.

The executive added that the rate of self-reported work-related stress, depression or anxiety was higher than pre-pandemic levels but had fallen from 910,000 in 2022-23.

A total of 543,000 workers were found to have work-related musculoskeletal disorders and 604,000 workers were injured at work. It was reported that 61,663 employees were injured within the scope of RIDDOR.

The estimated annual cost of workplace injuries and new cases of work-related illness in 2022/23 reached £21.6bn, but this was £1.6bn less compared to 2021/22, the HSE said.

The figures also showed that 138 workers died in workplace accidents in 2023-24, while 604,000 workers suffered a non-fatal injury at work in the same period.

A total of 2,257 mesothelioma deaths due to past exposure to asbestos have also been reported for 2022, the HSE said.

HSE chief executive Sarah Albon said: “This year marks 50 years since the legislation establishing the HSE was passed. Much has been achieved during this time, including a dramatic 85% reduction in the number of fatal workplace injuries to employees.

“Today, Great Britain is one of the safest places to work in the world, but these statistics are a reminder that there is still room for further improvement and we are committed to ensuring people stay safe and healthy wherever work is done.” he added.