Workplace Injury Report – The Most Common Workplace Injuries In The UK

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and there are many things to consider before making a decision, including how dangerous a particular job role might be. Being unable to work due to a workplace injury can potentially lead to money worries, so it’s important to have some form of insurance in place.

Expats working in the UK should consider purchasing global income protection. This insurance provides you with a monthly income if an injury or illness prevents you from working in your regular profession while living and working in the UK.

What are the most common workplace injuries in the UK?

Some professions are perceived to be more risky than others, but which are the most dangerous, and what are the most common workplace injuries sustained in different industries?

We’ve reviewed government data from the UK to create the Workplace Injury Report, producing a ranking of the most dangerous jobs and industries, the most common type and cause of injury in the workplace, and the areas where you’re most likely to be injured at work. We will also provide expert commentary on how this data could impact expats and which jobs are perhaps best to avoid.

Which industry has the highest number of fatal workplace injuries in the UK?

Agriculture industry: highest number of fatal workplace injuries in the UK

1/ Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Rate of fatal injuries per 100,000 workers: 8.01 people
Total number of fatal injuries: 22

The UK industry where you are most likely to be fatally injured is agriculture, forestry and fishing.

In this industry, there are approximately eight deaths for every 100,000 workers, and there were a total of 22 fatalities between April 2021 and April 2022. This death rate is 6.54 people higher than the industry in second place.

Accidents commonly associated with deaths on farms include incidents with transport and machinery, being struck by objects, and freak incidents involving animals.

2/ Construction

Rate of fatal injuries per 100,000 workers: 1.47 people
Total number of fatal injuries: 30

The UK industry with the second highest death rate due to workplace injuries is construction. The construction industry has a fatality rate of 1.47 deaths per every 100,000 workers, and 30 deaths between April 2021 and April 2022.

Some of the most common fatal injuries in the construction industry include falls from height, defective machinery or equipment, and being struck by falling materials.

3/ Transportation and storage

Rate of fatal injuries per 100,000 workers: 1.08 people
Total number of fatal injuries: 16

Following closely behind is the transportation and storage industry. Approximately one worker in every 100,000 will be killed due to a workplace injury in this industry and there were 16 deaths between April 2021 and April 2022.

Fatal injuries most commonly associated with deaths within the transportation and storage industry include falls from heights, being struck by a moving vehicle, and being struck by moving or falling objects.

Industries with the highest number of fatal workplace injuries in the UK

Includes employees and self employed – 2021/22 financial year.

Which industry has the most non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK?

Water supply and waste management industry: the most non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK

1/ Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities

Rate of non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers: 824 people
Total number of non-fatal injuries: 1,909

The UK industry where you are most likely to receive a non-fatal injury is water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities. For every 100,000 workers in this industry, 824 will receive a non-fatal injury. There were a total of 1,909 injuries between April 2021 and April 2022.

Some of this industry’s most common non-fatal injuries include slips, trips and falls, manual handling accidents and being struck by moving or falling objects.

2/ Transportation and storage

Rate of non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers: 673 people
Total number of non-fatal injuries: 7,735

The UK industry with the second highest rate of non-fatal injuries is transportation and storage. The transportation and storage industry has a non-fatal injury rate of 673 injuries per every 100,000 workers, and 7,735 injuries within the previously specified time period.

Accidents commonly associated with non-fatal injuries within this industry include manual handling, strains from repetitive motion and slips, trips and falls.

3/ Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Rate of non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers: 639 people
Total number of non-fatal injuries: 915

Following closely behind is the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry, which has a non-fatal injury rate of 639 injuries per every 100,000 workers. There were a total of 915 injuries between April 2021 and April 2022.

Non-fatal injuries most commonly associated with this industry include accidents with animals and livestock, injuries and illnesses from dangerous chemicals, and accidents involving vehicles.

Industries with the highest number of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK

Employees only – 2021/22 financial year.

Which area in the UK are you most likely to be fatally injured at work?

Three Rivers: area in the UK where you are most likely to be fatally injured at work

1/ Three Rivers

Rate of fatal injuries per 100,000 workers: 7.92 people
Total number of fatal injuries: 2

Three Rivers is the area in the UK where you are most likely to be fatally injured at work. The district is located in southwest Hertfordshire and borders areas such as Watford, St Albans and Buckinghamshire.

Three Rivers has a fatality rate of 7.92 deaths for every 100,000 workers, and there were two workplace deaths between April 2021 and April 2022. One of the biggest industries around the area of Three Rivers is scientific and technical, meaning that people are more at risk of fatal injuries such as severe chemical burns, lacerations and poisonings.

2/ Angus

Rate of fatal injuries per 100,000 workers: 7.35 people
Total number of fatal injuries: 3

Following closely behind is the area of Angus, which is located in east-central Scotland. It is one of the 32 council areas in Scotland and borders Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross, and Dundee City.

Angus has a fatality rate of 7.35 deaths for every 100,000 workers, and three workplace deaths during the specified time period. The economy in Angus has many popular industries including agriculture, engineering, and oil and gas. This means that people are more at risk of being fatally injured in ways such as being struck by a moving vehicle, contact with electricity and contact with moving machinery.

3/ Oadby and Wigston

Rate of fatal injuries per 100,000 workers: 5.72 people
Total number of fatal injuries: 1

The area of the UK where you are the third most likely to be fatally injured at work is Oadby and Wigston. The district is located in the county of Leicestershire and comprises Oadby, Wigston Magna, South Wigston and the hamlet of Kilby Bridge.

Oadby and Wigston has a fatality rate of 5.72 deaths for every 100,000 workers, and one workplace death between April 2021 and April 2022. One of the biggest industries around the area of Oadby and Wigston is manufacturing, meaning that people are more at risk of being fatally injured by falling from heights, being struck by moving objects and handling, lifting or carrying heavy objects.

Areas in the UK where you are most likely to be fatally injured at work

2021/22 financial year.

Which area in the UK are you most likely to receive a non-fatal injury at work?

North Warwickshire: area in the UK where you are most likely to be non-fatally injured at work

1/ North Warwickshire

Rate of non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers: 692 people
Total number of non-fatal injuries: 188

The area in the UK where you are the most likely to receive a non-fatal injury at work is North Warwickshire. The district is located in the county of Warwickshire in the West Midlands and includes towns such as Atherstone, Coleshill, Kingsbury and Polesworth.

North Warwickshire has an injury rate of 692 injuries per every 100,000 workers, and 188 non-fatal injuries between April 2021 and April 2022. One of the biggest industries in North Warwickshire is construction, meaning that people are more at risk of receiving non-fatal injuries such as fractures, lacerations, and sprains and strains.

2/ Sutton

Rate of non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers: 556 people
Total number of non-fatal injuries: 136

The area of the UK with the second highest non-fatal injury rate is Sutton. The town is located in South London and is close to the likes of Croydon, Epsom and Kingston upon Thames.

Sutton has an injury rate of 556 injuries per every 100,000 workers, and 136 injuries during the specified time period. One of the biggest industries in Sutton is healthcare, meaning that people are more at risk of receiving non-fatal injuries such as sprains and strains, severe bruises and cuts.

3/ Bolsover

Rate of non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers: 550 people
Total number of non-fatal injuries: 95

Following closely behind is the town of Bolsover, which is located in the north-east area of the county of Derbyshire. The town is close to the likes of Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby.

Bolsover has an injury rate of 550 injuries per every 100,000 workers, and 95 injuries between April 2021 and April 2022. The economy in Bolsover has many popular industries including manufacturing, transportation and storage, and healthcare. This means that people are more at risk of being injured in ways such as falls from heights, contact with moving machinery and slips, trips and falls on the same level.

Areas in the UK where you are most likely to be non-fatally injured at work

2021/22 financial year.

The most common cause of fatal workplace injuries in the UK

1/ Falls from heights – 29 deaths

In the UK, the most common cause of fatal injuries in the workplace is falls from heights. Between April 2021 and April 2022, 29 people died due to a fall from height at their place of work.

2/ Struck by moving vehicle – 23 deaths

The second most common cause of death in the workplace in the UK is being struck by a moving vehicle. A total of 23 people died after being struck by a moving vehicle at their place of work between April 2021 and April 2022.

3/ Struck by a moving object – 18 deaths

The third most common cause of workplace death in the UK is being struck by a moving object, including flying or falling. Between April 2021 and April 2022, a total of 18 people died due to being struck by a moving object at their place of work.

Most common causes of fatal workplace injuries in the UK

2021/22 financial year.

The most common causes of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK

1/ Slips, trips and falls on the same level – 18,721 injuries

The most common cause of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK is slips, trips and falls. Between April 2021 and April 2022, a total of 18,721 people were injured after either slipping, tripping or falling.

This type of injury in the workplace can be caused by many things, such as methods of cleaning, no adequate signage (e.g. wet floor signs), levels of lighting, inadequate footwear, and obstructions.

2/ Injured while handling, lifting or carrying – 11,260 injuries

The second most common cause of non-fatal workplace injuries is being injured while handling, lifting or carrying. During the specified time period, a total of 11,260 people were injured in this way.

This type of injury in the workplace can be caused by many things, such as bad posture, twisting, lifting heavy items regularly, stretching to reach high areas, and uneven or unstable flooring.

3/ Struck by moving object (including flying or falling) – 6,586 injuries

The third most common cause of non-fatal workplace injuries is being struck by a moving object, including flying or falling. Between April 2021 and April 2022, a total of 6,586 people were injured after being struck by a moving object.

This type of injury in the workplace can be caused by many things, such as unstable items being stored above ground level, tall self-standing objects not being properly secured, no knife-resistant protective clothing being worn, lack of visibility, and no designated route for pallet trucks, racks, trolleys etc.

Most common causes of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK

2021/22 financial year.

The most common types of fatal workplace injuries in the UK

1/ Concussion and internal injuries – 22 deaths

The most common type of fatal workplace injury in the UK is concussion and internal injuries. Between April 2021 and April 2022, 22 people died after suffering either from concussion and/or other internal injuries.

Potentially fatal concussions may present themselves in the following symptoms: loss of consciousness, fits or seizures, severe and increasing headache that can’t be relieved by painkillers, inability to be woken, and repeated vomiting.

2/ Fractures and injuries caused by contact with electricity – 8 deaths

The second most common type of fatal workplace injury in the UK is fractures. During the specified time period, 8 people died as a result of sustaining a fracture at their place of work. Fractures are often the initial cause of injuries that later lead to death. For example, any damage to vital organs, bone infections, blood loss, the severing of an artery or affected breathing.

Also in second place are injuries caused by contact with electricity, which was also the cause of death for 8 people between April 2021 and April 2022. These types of injuries can include electric shocks, which can prevent breathing and the heart from beating properly, and loss of muscle control, which can involve painful spasms that are strong enough to break bones or dislocate joints.

3/ Poisonings and gassings – 4 people

The fourth most common type of fatal workplace injury in the UK is poisonings and gassings. During the specified time period, a total of 4 people died as a result of being poisoned or gassed at their place of work. The most common cause of this is carbon monoxide poisoning, and there are some professions which are more likely to be exposed to this than others, such as oil refinery workers, warehouse employees, chemical plant workers, welders, and mechanics.

38 people also died as a result of multiple injuries at their place of work, but this figure was removed from the ranking as they couldn’t be categorised.

Most common types of fatal workplace injuries in the UK

2021/22 financial year.

The most common types of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK

1/ Fracture – 18,289 injuries

The most common type of non-fatal workplace injury in the UK is fractures, with 18,289 people being injured in this way at their workplace between April 2021 and April 2022.

Fractures can occur after events such as slips and falls, accidents with moving vehicles or machinery, or being struck by an object. Professions that are more likely to experience these events and receive a fracture as a result include construction workers, carpenters, and factory or warehouse workers.

2/ Sprains and strains – 16,936 injuries

The second most common type of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK are sprains and strains. During the specified time period, 16,936 people received a sprain or strain at their place of work.

These types of injuries can be caused by things such as not bending at the knees when lifting something heavy, not carrying loads close to the body, moving equipment not working properly, not carrying a load at waist level, and not changing position frequently.

3/ Contusions – 6,365 injuries

The third most common type of non-fatal workplace injury in the UK is contusions, also known as bruises. Between April 2021 and April 2022, 6,365 people reported receiving contusions as a result of an injury at their place of work. There are many types of contusions, including subcutaneous, muscle, bone, cartilage, organ, and eye. Contusions can be caused by things such as falls, bumps, direct blows, and collisions.

560 people also sustained multiple injuries at their place of work, but this figure was removed from the ranking as they couldn’t be categorised.

Most common types of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK

2021/22 financial year.

How can expats in the UK protect themselves from loss of earnings due to injuries and illness?

There are plenty of career options available to expats in the UK, but if you’re looking to take your work overseas, it’s a good idea to do some research into whether there is a demand for your particular job role or skills, as well as the risk of injury that comes with this profession.

For expats working in the UK, it is advised that you consider sticking to job roles that you have previous experience in. By doing this, there is more assurance that you know the health and safety risks that may potentially come with this line of work and can therefore prevent and protect yourself, and others, from receiving any injuries.

Although it might be relatively easy to find a job within sectors such as agriculture, construction and waste management, if you don’t have previous experience in these areas then it may be best to avoid them. This is due to the data showing that these are the industries responsible for the most deaths and injuries in the workplace, meaning an increased level of risk.

Of course, no matter where you choose to live and work abroad, you can consider purchasing global income protection. By doing this, you will be provided with a regular monthly income in the case of an injury or illness preventing you from working. This will allow you to financially support yourself and/or your family by paying you a proportion of your lost earnings whilst you focus on your recovery.

Methodology

We used the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations section on the UK government Health & Safety Executive website to gather data around the following: the industry with the most workplace injuries, the area with the most workplace injuries, the most common cause of workplace injuries and the most common type of workplace injury. For each category, we gathered data for both fatal and non-fatal injuries. All data covers April 2021 to April 2022.

The data for the industries with the most fatal workplace injuries includes all workers (both employees and self-employed), whilst the non-fatal workplace injuries include employees only.

Any data described as ‘other’, ‘not specified/known’ or ‘multiple’ was removed from the ranking.