The most common types of workplace injuries and the regions which reported the most

Understanding the types and frequency of workplace accidents is essential for creating safer work environments. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights the most common non-fatal accidents in the UK from 2021 to 2023.

This information is crucial for both employers and employees to identify potential hazards and take preventive measures. Here, BlueTrolley provide expert advice on how to reduce the risk of the main causes of workplace injuries…

The Most Common Non-Fatal Workplace Accidents in the UK

As the data shows, there are a multitude of different causes of injuries that pose risks to workers in various industries daily. While it's impossible to prevent all incidents from happening, taking the correct safety measures and ensuring staff are fully trained on the risks can hugely reduce the number of accidents that occur in the workplace.  

Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes of workplace injuries in the UK and, crucially, how to prevent them…

Injured while handling, lifting, or carrying - To mitigate these injuries, employers should provide proper manual handling training and encourage the use of mechanical aids. Workers should follow ergonomic practices and avoid lifting heavy objects without assistance.

Slipped, tripped, or fell on the same level - Keeping work areas clean and dry, using slip-resistant footwear, and marking hazardous zones can reduce the risk of slips and trips.

Physically assaulted by a person - Implementing conflict resolution training and ensuring a zero-tolerance policy towards workplace violence can help in reducing these incidents.

Hit by moving, flying, or falling object - Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like helmets and securing loose objects can prevent such accidents.

Contact with moving machinery - Regular maintenance of machinery and proper training on machine handling are vital to avoid contact injuries.

Fell from a height - Using fall protection equipment and ensuring safe practices when working at heights can prevent these accidents.

Hit something fixed or stationary - Clearly marking obstacles and maintaining clear walkways can help reduce these incidents.

Injured by an animal - Workers should receive training on handling animals safely, and employers should implement proper containment measures.

Regional Analysis of Workplace Accidents

Workplace accident rates differ significantly across the UK, with some regions experiencing higher frequencies than others. Here's a look at the self-reported incidents in each UK region from 2021 to 2023…

The South West tops the chart with the highest incidence rate of workplace accidents, recording 60,000 incidents, which translates to 2,130 incidents per 100,000 workers. This high rate suggests a pressing need for companies in this region to focus on thorough safety audits and rigorous enforcement of safety protocols to mitigate risks and enhance workplace safety.

The North East follows closely, with 23,000 incidents and an incidence rate of 1,950 per 100,000 workers.

In the West Midlands, 50,000 incidents were reported, resulting in a rate of 1,820 per 100,000 employees.

At the opposite end of proceedings, the North West reported 54,000 incidents over the three-year time period, leading to an incidence rate of 1,610 per 100,000 workers.

Scotland, with 40,000 incidents and an incidence rate of 1,510 per 100,000 workers, indicates a relatively lower rate compared to other regions but still highlights the need for ongoing safety improvements.

London, despite being the most densely populated region, recorded 55,000 incidents with the lowest incidence rate of 1,150 per 100,000 workers. This lower rate may reflect better safety practices and regulations, but there is always room for improvement in the capital.

Examining the accident rates throughout the different regions of the UK allows us to see which areas are most in need of implementing stronger preventative measures and staff safety training.

Looking at the difference between the top and bottom regions – the South West has nearly 50% more reported incidents per 100,000 workers than last place London, while the North East and West Midlands aren’t too far off. This indicates that a refreshed approach is needed in certain regions to reduce the relatively high number of workplace accidents.