12.04.2023

Workplace accidents rise by 21% nationwide

Using official data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a study by First Mats found the most unsafe areas to work in based on non-fatal injuries per 100,000 employees recorded since 2021/22. HSE uses reported workplace injury data to calculate the average number of injuries per 100,000 workers in different locations.

Nationally, there was an increase of 22.66% in non-fatal injuries reported to the Health and Safety Executive in the last year: this national trend is to be expected as a result of workplaces reopening fully after being closed due to the pandemic.

These are the TOP 5 most unsafe regions to work in

The East Midlands, a region with a strong focus on engineering and manufacturing, has taken the top spot for workplace accidents in the UK. Shockingly, according to the study, the region has reported 269 accidents per 100,000 employees, representing an increase of 14%.

Following closely behind was the North East, known for being a leader within a variety of industries from manufacturing to construction, they have seen a 17% increase in workplace accidents, with 259 accidents per 100,000 employees.

You can see the full table of the top 5 most unsafe regions to work in below:

REGION	PER 100,000 EMPLOYEES	TOTAL WORK RELATED INJURIES IN 2022	% INCREASE SINCE 2021
EAST MIDLANDS	269	5,292	14%
NORTH EAST	259	2,664	17%
YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER	249	5,739	17%
NORTH WEST	244	7,451	24%
WEST MIDLANDS	244	6,033	17%

Lincolnshire is the most unsafe county to work in

Lincolnshire is known for its diverse economy with significant industries in agriculture and manufacturing. With a strong focus on engineering and manufacturing, the county is home to several major companies, including the likes of Siemens.

However, according to the data, it is one of the most unsafe counties to work in with 320 accidents per 100,000 employees. The county has also seen a 14% increase in workplace non-fatal injuries since 2021.

Meanwhile, coming in second is another county based in the East Midlands, Leicestershire. A county known for its strong focus on technology as well as many other significant industries has seen a huge 311 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 employees. Although this has only been a 6% increase in the previous years, it shows there is a lot to be done to improve workplace safety in these counties.

You can see the full table of the top 5 most unsafe regions to work in below:

COUNTY	PER 100,00 EMPLOYEES	TOTAL WORK RELATED INJURIES IN 2022	% INCREASE SINCE 2021
LINCOLNSHIRE	320	896	14%
LEICESTERSHIRE	311	741	6%
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE	310	822	21%
WARWICKSHIRE	286	688	13%
STAFFORDSHIRE	285	967	19%

Richard O’Connor, Director at First Mats, who analysed the data, said: “Employers should be continuously assessing the workplace to make it as safe as possible, making the necessary changes or implementing measures to reduce the risk of injury.”

“Employers should be looking to reduce workplace injuries wherever possible, undertaking regular risk assessments and implementing safety recommendations. It is alarming to see such sharp increases in injuries in some areas of the country. Businesses and local authorities should work together to take a proactive approach to workplace safety to prevent further injuries.

“While we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, businesses should still implement safety measures such as non-slip matting, safety signs and providing regular training to promote a culture of safety in the workplace.”

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