HSE Annual Work-related Ill Health and Injury Statistics For 2023/24
1.7 million workers reported work-related ill health in 2023/24, similar to 1.8 million in 2022/23;
Rates remain higher than pre-pandemic levels (2018/19); and
Approximately 776,000 cases (46%) were related to stress, depression, or anxiety.
This is a decline from 910,000 cases in 2022/23 but still above pre-pandemic level
Here are the key points from the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) annual report on work-related ill health and workplace injuries for 2023/24 with a focus on the Education Sector:
138 fatalities occurred due to workplace accidents in 2023/24; and
604,000 workers sustained self-reported non-fatal workplace injuries.
33.7 million working days were lost due to ill health or injury in 2023/24; and
The cost of workplace injuries and ill health in 2022/23 was £21.6 billion, a reduction of £1.6 billion compared to 2021/22.
Education
The education sector was one of the Industries with higher-than-average rates of work-related stress, depression or anxiety.
In Education around 2.9 million working days (full-day equivalent) were lost each year due to:
Workplace injury (12%) and
Work-related illness (88%)
That is equivalent to around 1.1 working days lost per worker which is not statistically different than the all industry level (1.1 days)
There were an estimated 170,000 workers suffering from work-related ill health (new or long-standing)
53% were stress, depression or anxiety; and
Around 4.8% of workers in the sector suffered from work-related ill health (new or long-standing.) This rate is statistically significantly higher than that for workers across all industries (4.1%.)
There were an estimated 91,000 workers suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety (new or long-standing), 53% of all ill health in this sector.
Around 2.6% of workers in the sector suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety (new or long-standing)
This rate is statistically significantly higher than that for workers across all industries (2.0%)
Work-Related Ill Health
Workplace Injuries
Economic Impact
Verbal and Physical Abuse from Pupils and Parents on the Rise
The HSE figures were released at the same time as a survey conducted by Education Support involving over 3,000 teachers and school staff found that 82% reported an increase in challenging behaviour from pupils, which has negatively affected their mental health. Additionally, 70% of respondents highlighted a rise in difficult interactions with parents.
Root Causes and Impact
The findings reveal that 84% of staff experiencing heightened verbal or physical abuse attribute it to inadequate support for pupils' physical, emotional, and mental health needs.
In its 2024 Wellbeing Index, Education Support calls for urgent government action to address staff retention, stress, and burnout rates, alongside heightened awareness and prevention of suicide risks.
The report emphasizes the need for:
Targeted retention strategies that reflect the expanded responsibilities educators face post-pandemic;
Enhanced support for school leaders to break the cycle of stress and burnout; and
A renewed “social contract” between families, schools, and colleges to align shared goals for education and child development.
It also recommends including suicides in the Health and Safety Executive’s annual reporting, expanding protection regimes, and bolstering funding for:
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision;
Children’s mental health services; and
Poverty reduction programs.
Persistent Stress and Burnout
While the report notes a 5% improvement in workplace culture perceptions—dropping from 55% in 2023 to 50% in 2024 of staff viewing their school’s culture as detrimental to mental health—the overall wellbeing picture remains bleak.
Key statistics include:
77% of school staff report work-related mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and burnout;
Over one-third score below 40 on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, signalling severe mental health concerns; and
Common symptoms include insomnia (46%), irritability (44%), and difficulty concentrating (38%).
As teachers continue to face significant challenges, the report serves as a wake-up call for systemic change to safeguard their wellbeing and the future of education in the UK.
Summary
While significant progress has been made, the data underscores the persistent issues of work-related stress, depression, and anxiety, alongside ongoing economic impacts due to workplace ill health and injuries. Efforts must continue to further improve workplace health and safety across the country.
READ THE FULL HSE REPORTS HERE:
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