It has been reported nearly two million workers in Great Britain experienced work-related ill health in 2022/23, according to the annual statistics released today by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Approximately half of these cases were attributed to stress, depression, or anxiety.
While the rate of self-reported work-related ill health had remained relatively stable in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, the current rate surpasses that of 2018/19.
Specifically, there were around 875,000 reported cases of work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in 2022/23, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The impact of this is evident in the estimated loss of 35.2 million working days during the same period due to self-reported work-related ill health or injuries.
Sarah Albon, the chief executive of HSE, emphasised the significance of addressing work-related stress, highlighting its potential benefits for both employees and employers. She noted that tackling these issues could lead to improved employee well-being, enhanced work experiences, increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lower staff turnover.
The economic implications of work-related ill health and injuries are also underscored by the statistics. In 2021/22, the annual costs associated with workplace injuries and new cases of work-related ill health reached £20.7 billion, marking a £1.9 billion increase compared to 2019/20.
Tragically, 135 workers lost their lives in work-related accidents during 2022/23, and 561,000 workers reported sustaining non-fatal injuries in the workplace during the same period.
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