HSE Top 5 Health Risks in the UK Workplace
- Denver Naguit
- Sep 5
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Understanding the HSE top 5 health risks is crucial for every employer and employee across the UK, as these hazards represent the most significant threats to workplace wellbeing and productivity.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continuously monitors occupational health trends, identifying the most prevalent and serious health risks that affect millions of workers annually, by recognising and addressing these top health risks, Scottish and UK businesses can protect their workforce whilst ensuring compliance with current health and safety legislation.
Table of Contents
Summary
Work-related stress affects 776,000 UK workers annually and work related injuries accounted for 33.7 million working days lost according to HSE statistics in 2023/24
Musculoskeletal disorders impact 543,000 workers yearly, with slips, trips, or falls on the same level being the primary cause of workplace injuries
Workplace exposure to hazardous substances causes respiratory diseases and occupational cancers affecting thousands of UK employees
Slips, trips, and falls remain the most common cause of workplace injuries, resulting in over 29% of all non-fatal accidents
Noise-induced hearing loss affects workers across multiple industries, with construction and manufacturing showing highest risk levels
HSE Top 5 Health Risks
Work-Related Stress and Mental Health
Work-related stress represents the most significant occupational health challenge facing UK workplaces today, HSE statistics reveal that stress, depression, and anxiety account for the majority of work-related ill health cases, around 776,000 UK workers annually in 2023/24, affecting workers across all sectors and job levels. The causes include excessive workloads, lack of job control, poor workplace relationships, and organisational change which has resulted in around 33.7 million working days lost in 2023/24.
The impact extends beyond individual suffering, with businesses facing increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and higher staff turnover. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers have a legal duty to assess and manage psychological risks just as they would physical hazards, this includes conducting stress risk assessments, implementing reasonable adjustments, and providing appropriate support systems.
Effective management strategies include workload management, clear communication, employee consultation, and access to occupational health services. Many Scottish businesses now invest in mental health first aid training and employee assistance programmes to support workforce wellbeing and demonstrate their commitment to comprehensive health protection. Other forms of mental health training can be behaviour management training which equips workers with the correct techniques to assess, de-escalate and breakaway from behaviour induced situations that may be dangerous or unfavorable for both parties, protect both parties.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, representing one of the most common work-related health problems in the UK, effecting over 543,000 workers annually in 2023/24. These conditions range from minor aches and pains to serious injuries requiring medical treatment and extended time off work with common MSDs including back pain, repetitive strain injuries, and joint problems affecting various body parts.
The primary causes include manual handling activities, repetitive movements, awkward postures, and prolonged static positions with the main cause of workplace injuries being slips, trips, or falls on the same level, accounting for 32% of all workplace injuries reported. Industries particularly at risk include construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and office-based work, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to avoid hazardous manual handling where possible, assess remaining risks, and implement control measures to reduce injury likelihood.
Prevention strategies focus on ergonomic workplace design, proper manual handling training, job rotation, and early intervention programmes. Employers should provide appropriate equipment such as lifting aids, adjustable workstations, and ergonomic tools whilst ensuring employees receive adequate training in safe working practices and recognising early warning signs of MSDs.
Workplace Exposure to Hazardous Substances
Exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace poses serious long-term health risks, including respiratory diseases, skin conditions, and occupational cancers. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) provides the legal framework for managing these risks, requiring employers to identify hazardous substances, assess exposure risks, and implement appropriate control measures.
Common hazardous substances include chemicals, dusts, fumes, vapours, and biological agents found across various industries, construction workers face risks from asbestos and silica dust, healthcare workers encounter biological hazards, whilst manufacturing employees may be exposed to industrial chemicals and solvents. Long-term exposure can result in serious conditions such as occupational asthma, dermatitis, and various cancers.
Effective control follows the hierarchy of measures: elimination or substitution of hazardous substances where possible, engineering controls such as ventilation systems, administrative controls including safe working procedures, and finally personal protective equipment. Regular health surveillance, air monitoring, and COSHH assessments ensure ongoing protection and legal compliance whilst protecting worker health throughout their careers.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls consistently rank as the most common cause of workplace injuries across the UK accounting for 32% of all reported workplace injuries, accounting for almost a third of all reported accidents. These incidents range from minor bruises to serious injuries including fractures, head injuries, and in extreme cases, fatalities, the financial impact includes direct costs such as compensation claims and indirect costs including lost productivity and replacement staff training.
Common causes can include wet or contaminated floor surfaces, uneven flooring, poor lighting, inadequate footwear, and obstructed walkways, environmental factors such as weather conditions, spillages, and temporary obstacles significantly increase risk levels. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 specify requirements for safe access routes, appropriate lighting, and suitable flooring materials.
Prevention strategies focus on good housekeeping practices, regular inspection and maintenance programmes, appropriate warning signage, and staff training in hazard recognition. Employers should establish clear procedures for dealing with spillages, ensure adequate lighting in all areas, provide suitable footwear guidance, and maintain safe access routes throughout all premises areas.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Occupational noise exposure represents a significant but often overlooked health risk affecting workers across multiple industries as prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels can result in permanent hearing damage, tinnitus, and communication difficulties that significantly impact quality of life. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 establish exposure limits and mandatory control measures for workplace noise management.
Industries with highest risk levels include construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and entertainment venues where noise levels frequently exceed safe exposure limits. The regulations specify lower exposure action values of 80dB(A), which is the equivalent to a telephone dial tone, and upper exposure action values of 85dB(A), equivalent to city traffic, with exposure limit values of 87dB(A) that must not be exceeded, peak sound pressure limits of 140dB(C), equivalent to a jet engine, apply to protect against sudden loud noises.
Control measures follow the standard hierarchy: elimination or reduction of noise sources, engineering controls such as sound insulation and barriers, administrative controls including job rotation and restricted access, and hearing protection as a last resort. Employers must provide health surveillance, noise assessments, and appropriate training whilst ensuring employees understand the risks and their role in protection programmes.
Protect Your Workforce from These Top Health Risks
Don't let these preventable health risks impact your business, our comprehensive HSE training courses across Scotland equip your team with the knowledge and skills to identify, assess, and control workplace health hazards before they cause harm.
At Nags Training Solutions we cover all areas of HSE and occupational safety such as first aid training courses, fire safety training, behaviour intervention training and moving and handling training, we deliver expert-led courses that ensure legal compliance whilst protecting your most valuable asset - your employees.
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