Key insights from HSE’s 2023/24 Safety Report: What they mean for your business

At SafeWorkforce, we’re committed to helping small businesses stay compliant, reduce risks, and protect their teams. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its key statistics for the 2023/24 period—a wake-up call for businesses across the UK to prioritise workplace safety.

We’ve summarised five critical takeaways from the report and explained how SafeWorkforce can help you address these challenges as 2024 draws to a close:

Slips, trips, and falls: The leading cause of non-fatal injuries

Of the 604,000 non-fatal injuries reported at work in 2023/24, 31% were due to slips, trips, or falls—equivalent to 187,240 preventable injuries. These incidents cost businesses productivity, time, and revenue.

Recent legal cases highlight the consequences of neglecting safety, such as a roofing firm director receiving a six-month suspended prison sentence for unsafe work at height.

SafeWorkforce can help: We provide the training, advice, and health and safety documentation you need to protect your employees and your business.

A costly loss of productivity

Work-related injuries and illnesses accounted for 7 million lost working days in 2023/24, with each case resulting in an average of 15.5 days off work. This loss of productivity can have a significant impact on your bottom line.

SafeWorkforce can help: Our experts provide tailored advice to reduce injuries and illnesses, helping you maintain productivity and stay focused on what matters most—running your business.

A rise in workplace fatalities

The HSE recorded 138 workplace fatalities in 2023/24, marking an increase compared to previous years. This trend is especially concerning in the construction industry, which saw a 16% rise in fatalities compared to the previous five-year average.

SafeWorkforce can help: From site inspections to gap analyses, we offer practical tools to ensure your workers are safe during hazardous tasks.

The silent threat of lung disease

Each year, 12,000 deaths are attributed to past exposure to hazardous workplace substances, with 20% caused by asbestos exposure. These figures emphasise the need to manage long-term risks alongside immediate hazards.

SafeWorkforce can help: We offer specialised training, including Asbestos Awareness, to help your business safeguard your workforce against these silent threats.

Vigilance is key to sustained safety improvement

While workplace fatality rates have declined since 2000, progress has stalled in recent years, particularly around the COVID-19 pandemic. This plateau highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive safety measures.

SafeWorkforce can help: With decades of industry experience, our team is equipped to support your business with strategies and solutions that foster a safer work environment.

Partner with SafeWorkforce for a safer, compliant future

The HSE’s statistics make it clear: workplace safety cannot be ignored. At SafeWorkforce, we’re dedicated to helping small businesses like yours create safer, more compliant workplaces. From expert advice and training to documentation support and on-site audits, we provide everything you need to take control of your health and safety strategy.