Annual HSE statistics explained: Key takeaways and priorities for 2026

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its annual statistics for 2024/25, revealing that approximately 1.9 million workers experienced job-related ill health, a figure consistent with recent years but higher than pre-pandemic levels. 

Mental health conditions – specifically stress, depression, and anxiety – remain the leading cause of workplace ill health, affecting 964,000 employees and continuing an upward trend. Overall, work-related ill health and injuries led to an estimated 40.1 million lost working days and an annual economic cost of £22.9 billion in 2023/24. The figures also reported 124 staff fatalities and 680,000 self-reported non-fatal injuries.

Despite companies strengthening their support of workers’ physical and mental wellbeing, the HSE report uncovers pressing and persistent challenges. A steady rise in mental health issues, widespread staff absence, and the economic impact of illness-related productivity dips continue to hinder business growth and undermine employee engagement. 

The regulator acknowledges these obstacles and reiterates its commitment to protecting people and places, elevating safety standards, and helping businesses create healthier, happier working environments. 

As we head into the new year, the HSE’s stats provide a clear foundation for future compliance, highlighting common hazards, recurring risks, and inspector focus points. Use our quickfire summary to pinpoint problem areas, instantly raise standards – and shape targeted safety strategies for 2026.

964,000 staff affected by work-related stress, depression, or anxiety ‍

Mental health issues are the most commonly reported form of work-related ill health, affecting nearly 1 million employees and significantly impacting output and wellbeing. In 2026, dedicate time and resources to staff wellbeing with practical, proactive support:  

• Review your benefits to strengthen mental and physical health support through discounted gym memberships, meditation apps, and therapy services.
• Ensure workloads and shift patterns promote a healthy work/life balance. 
• Provide management training on spotting the signs of stress and introduce or reinforce confidential support channels. 
• Consider launching an employee assistance programme, regular wellbeing check-ins, and First Aid for Mental Health training.

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511,000 individuals impacted by job-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) ‍

MSDs are a major cause of long-term absence and account for a substantial proportion of work-related ill health, particularly in roles involving repetitive movements or manual handling. Use common-sense safety fundamentals to control your risks: 

• Carry out a complete ergonomic and manual handling risk assessment across your team’s roles.
• Introduce or improve lifting aids, adjustable workstations, and regular breaks for repetitive tasks. 
• Provide training on safe handling techniques, consider specialist instruction for site-specific tasks, and monitor how staff put learnings into practice. 
• Encourage early reporting of aches and pains before they become serious.

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Handling, lifting, or carrying accounts for 17% of employer-reported non-fatal injuries ‍

Manual handling remains a key contributor to workplace health problems, often resulting in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) or severe strains. Extra precautions can guard against injuries and recurring MSDs, preventing costly claims in the event of an accident: 

• Review manual handling tasks company wide, identifying risks to health. 
• Adopt the three-step Avoid, Assess, Reduce methodology of risk management. 
• Whenever possible, eliminate the need for manual handling by automating tasks or using lifting aides. 
• Implement job rotations to reduce repetitive, strain-inducing jobs. 

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Slips, trips, or falls on the same level make up 30% of non-fatal workplace injuries 

Slips and trips are the most frequent cause of non-fatal job-related injuries and can occur across nearly every type of work environment. Stay on top of slip and trip hazards with a simple programme of monitoring and maintenance:

• Audit your site for surface hazards, paying particular attention to flooring, lighting, obstructing walkways, protruding machinery or display units, and trailing cables. 
• Establish regular housekeeping and maintenance schedules, providing adequate bins and storage facilities to keep spaces clean and clear. 
• Improve lighting and signage in high-risk areas and install non-slip flooring where needed. 
• Train employees to avoid risks and report hazards to management – including near misses.

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Falls from height contribute 8% of non-fatal injuries and remain the leading cause of fatal workplace accidents ‍

Although less frequent than slips or manual handling injuries, falls from height are disproportionately fatal, accounting for over a quarter of fatal injuries in 2024/25. Prevention should start with a results-focused risk assessment: 

• Aim to eliminate the need to work from height, completing tasks at ground level.
• If working at height is unavoidable, equip staff with stable, purpose-built equipment to reduce fall risks.
• Audit your site to identify unique work-from-height risks within each area.
• Pay particular attention to racking, mezzanines, retail shelving spaces, and vehicle access points.
• Consider environmental fall hazards, such as slippery surfaces, poor lighting, and space restrictions.
• Ensure proper planning, use of fall-protection equipment, staff training, and safe access systems, such as scaffolding, guardrails, and safety nets. 

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Workplace transport and moving objects are consistent causes of injuries and fatalities ‍

Vehicle and moving object accidents continue to cause serious injuries and deaths, particularly in sewerage and waste management, construction, and transportation industries. Employers can minimise risks with a series of straightforward safety controls: 

• Segregate pedestrians and vehicles with physical barriers or signage, particularly for routes that step into traffic movement. 
• Train drivers on safe vehicle and forklift operation, focusing on hazard awareness, reversing techniques, and speed control. 
• Enforce safe loading and unloading procedures, using trained signallers (or banksmen) to guide drivers where needed. 
• Ask visiting drivers to report to reception for an overview of your site layout.
• Maintain vehicles and machinery through regular inspections, servicing, and prompt repairs. 

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Plan ahead with an expert partner  

Whatever your goals for the coming year, Opus provides ongoing health and safety consultancy and specialist standalone services to help you reduce risk, protect your team, and stay consistently – and cost effectively – compliant. 

Speak to Opus about shaping your 2026 safety roadmap. We’re here to help on 0330 043 4015 and hello@opus-safety.co.uk.