HSE Top 5 Health Risks in UK Workplaces [2025 Update]
- Denver Naguit
- Sep 5, 2025
- 13 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The HSE has released updated workplace health statistics for 2024/25. This article reflects the latest data on the most significant occupational health threats facing UK businesses, with year-over-year analysis showing emerging trends.
Quick Answer: What Are the HSE Top 5 Health Risks in UK Workplaces in 2025?
According to the latest HSE statistics for 2024/25, the top five workplace health risks affecting UK workers are:
Work-related stress and mental health – 964,000 workers affected (up 24% from 2023/24)
Musculoskeletal disorders – 511,000 workers affected (down 6% from 2023/24)
Workplace exposure to hazardous substances – ongoing concern with 2,218 mesothelioma deaths in 2023
Slips, trips, and falls – remain the leading cause of non-fatal workplace injuries
Noise-induced hearing loss – affecting workers across construction, manufacturing, and agriculture
These five health risks account for the majority of the 1.9 million work-related illness cases and 40.1 million working days lost reported in 2024/25, costing the UK economy an estimated £22.9 billion.
About This Analysis
I'm Denver Naguit, founder of NAGS Training Solutions, with 16+ years of NHS healthcare experience and professional certifications in occupational health and safety training across Scotland. I've delivered thousands of hours of HSE-compliant training to Scottish businesses, helping them navigate workplace health risks whilst maintaining full regulatory compliance. This analysis draws directly from official HSE statistics and my practical experience identifying and controlling these hazards in real workplace settings.
Table of Contents:
2024 vs 2025: What's Changed?
The HSE's latest figures reveal significant shifts in workplace health trends:
Major Increases:
Work-related stress cases up 24%: From 776,000 (2023/24) to 964,000 (2024/25)
Total working days lost up 19%: From 33.7 million (2023/24) to 40.1 million (2024/25)
Notable Decreases:
Musculoskeletal disorders down 6%: From 543,000 (2023/24) to 511,000 (2024/25)
2024/25 Injury Statistics:
59,219 injuries reported under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)
680,000 total workplace injuries estimated by Labour Force Survey
124 fatal workplace injuries
Key Concern
The 24% surge in stress-related illness represents the most significant shift in workplace health trends, suggesting increased pressure on UK workers post-pandemic and during economic uncertainty.
The HSE Top 5 Health Risks in Detail
1. Work-Related Stress and Mental Health
Work-related stress now represents the most critical occupational health challenge facing UK workplaces, affecting workers across all sectors from healthcare and education to construction and retail.
2024/25 Statistics:
964,000 UK workers affected by work-related stress, depression, or anxiety
Represents 50.7% of all work-related illness cases
24% increase from the previous year's 776,000 cases
Contributes significantly to the 40.1 million working days lost
The dramatic 24% year-over-year increase suggests that workplace pressures have intensified, with excessive workloads, lack of job control, poor workplace relationships, and ongoing organisational change driving the surge.
The impact extends far beyond individual suffering, Scottish businesses face increased absenteeism rates, reduced productivity, higher staff turnover, and significant financial costs. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers have a legal duty to assess and manage psychological risks with the same rigour as physical hazards.
What Employers Must Do:
Conduct regular stress risk assessments using the HSE Management Standards
Implement workload management systems and clear communication channels
Provide access to occupational health services and employee assistance programmes
Train managers to recognise early warning signs and respond appropriately
Consider behavioural intervention training to equip staff with de-escalation techniques
Many forward-thinking Scottish businesses now invest in mental health first aid training and structured wellbeing programmes, recognising that protecting mental health is both a legal requirement and sound business practice.
2. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
Musculoskeletal disorders affect the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves throughout the body, whilst the overall MSD rate has decreased by 6% - a positive trend suggesting improved workplace controls. These conditions still represent over half a million affected workers annually and remain the second most common work-related health problem in the UK.
2024/25 Statistics:
511,000 UK workers affected by work-related MSDs
Represents 26.9% of all work-related illness cases
6% decrease from the previous year's 543,000 cases
Slips, trips, and falls remain the primary cause of workplace injuries at 29% of all non-fatal accidents
Common MSDs include lower back pain, repetitive strain injuries, shoulder and neck problems, and joint conditions affecting various body parts which can range from minor aches requiring short-term treatment to serious chronic conditions requiring extended sick leave and, in severe cases, permanent disability.
Primary Risk Factors:
Industries particularly at risk include construction, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and increasingly office-based work where prolonged static postures and poor ergonomics create cumulative strain.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to:
Avoid hazardous manual handling operations where reasonably practicable
Assess any remaining unavoidable manual handling risks
Reduce the risk of injury to the lowest level reasonably practicable
Prevention Strategies That Work:
The 6% reduction in MSD cases demonstrates that proper controls are effective, successful prevention focuses on ergonomic workplace design, comprehensive manual handling training, job rotation to vary physical demands, and early intervention programmes that address symptoms before they become chronic.
Scottish employers should provide appropriate equipment including lifting aids, height-adjustable workstations, and ergonomic tools whilst ensuring all employees receive adequate training in safe working practices, proper lifting techniques, and recognising early warning signs of developing MSDs.
Protect Your Scottish Workforce from These Health Risks
Don't let preventable health risks drain your productivity and increase costs, with statistics showing 40.1 million working days lost and £22.9 billion in economic costs, the financial impact of inadequate workplace health management has never been clearer.
Our comprehensive health and safety training courses across Scotland equip your team with the practical knowledge and skills to identify, assess, and control workplace health hazards before they cause harm.
We cover all critical areas:
Manual Handling Training (addressing the 511,000 MSD cases)
Behavioural Intervention Training (supporting mental health management)
First Aid Training (workplace injury response)
Fire Marshal Training (comprehensive workplace safety)
📞 Call 07942 468967 or Contact Us to discuss your training needs.
Serving businesses across Inverness, Highlands & Moray with expert-led, HSE-compliant training that ensures legal compliance whilst protecting your most valuable asset - your employees.
3. Workplace Exposure to Hazardous Substances
Exposure to hazardous substances poses serious long-term health risks that can take decades to manifest, the ongoing toll of 2,218 mesothelioma deaths - a disease caused exclusively by asbestos exposure - serves as a stark reminder that workplace exposures create health consequences that persist for generations.
2024/25 Statistics:
2,218 mesothelioma deaths in 2023 (most recent available data) due to past asbestos exposure
Thousands more affected by occupational lung disease, dermatitis, and occupational cancers
Long latency periods mean exposures from decades ago continue causing deaths today
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) provides the legal framework for managing these risks, requiring employers to identify hazardous substances in use, assess exposure risks comprehensively, and implement appropriate control measures.
Common Hazardous Substances Across Scottish Industries:
Construction: Asbestos (in older buildings), silica dust (from cutting/grinding), cement dust, paints and solvents
Healthcare: Biological agents, cleaning chemicals, sterilising agents, anaesthetic gases
Manufacturing: Industrial chemicals, metal working fluids, welding fumes, solvents
Agriculture: Pesticides, animal waste products, grain dust, diesel exhaust
Long-Term Health Consequences:
Prolonged or high-level exposure can result in serious conditions including occupational asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dermatitis, various cancers (lung, bladder, nasal), and other chronic respiratory diseases. Many of these conditions are irreversible and life-limiting.
Scottish employers must conduct regular COSHH assessments, implement health surveillance programmes where required, monitor air quality in exposure-prone environments, and maintain comprehensive training records demonstrating competency in safe substance handling.
Hierarchy of Control Measures
Effective substance control follows a strict hierarchy, always starting with elimination:
Elimination: Remove the hazardous substance entirely from the process
Substitution: Replace with a less hazardous alternative
Engineering controls: Ventilation systems, enclosure, isolation
Administrative controls: Safe working procedures, reduced exposure times, training
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Respiratory protection, gloves, protective clothing (last resort only)
4. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls consistently rank as the most common cause of workplace injuries across the UK, year after year accounting for almost one-third of all reported accidents.
2024/25 Statistics:
Consistently account for 29-32% of all reported workplace injuries
Remain the leading cause of non-fatal workplace injuries across all sectors
Contribute significantly to the 59,219 RIDDOR-reportable injuries in 2024/25
These incidents range from minor bruises requiring basic first aid to serious injuries including fractures, head trauma, spinal injuries, and in extreme cases, fatalities from falls from height.
Financial Impact:
The true cost extends beyond immediate medical treatment, direct costs include compensation claims, legal fees, and increased insurance premiums. Indirect costs often exceed direct costs by a factor of 8-36 and include lost productivity, replacement staff training, investigation time, damaged equipment, and reputational damage affecting customer confidence.
Common Causes in Scottish Workplaces:
Environmental factors: Wet or contaminated floor surfaces (especially in Scottish weather), uneven flooring, inadequate lighting, poorly maintained surfaces
Organisational issues: Obstructed walkways, temporary obstacles during maintenance, inadequate housekeeping, missing or faded safety markings
Human factors: Inappropriate footwear, rushing, distraction, carrying items that obscure vision, failure to use handrails
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 specify clear requirements for safe access routes, appropriate lighting levels, suitable flooring materials, and regular maintenance programmes.
Employers should establish clear procedures for dealing with spillages, ensure adequate lighting in all areas including external routes, provide suitable footwear guidance specific to workplace conditions, and maintain safe access routes throughout all premises areas regardless of weather conditions.
Prevention Strategies:
Good housekeeping: Immediate spillage procedures, regular cleaning schedules, clutter-free walkways
Inspection programmes: Regular floor condition checks, lighting assessments, identification of trip hazards
Environmental controls: Appropriate drainage, non-slip flooring in wet areas, adequate lighting (particularly important during Scottish winter months)
Warning systems: Clear signage for wet floors and temporary hazards, barrier systems during maintenance
Staff training: Hazard recognition, proper footwear guidance, safe carrying techniques, reporting procedures
5. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Occupational noise exposure represents a significant but often overlooked health risk that affects workers across multiple industries.
2024/25 Context:
Continues to affect workers across multiple industries despite established controls
Industries with highest risk: construction, manufacturing, agriculture, entertainment venues, and quarrying
Unlike other injuries, hearing loss is permanent and irreversible
The insidious nature of noise-induced hearing loss is that it develops gradually over years with no pain warning, this means many workers don't realise the damage until it's already permanent. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels results in permanent hearing damage, tinnitus (persistent ringing), and communication difficulties that significantly impact quality of life both at work and at home.
Legal Requirements:
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 establish clear exposure limits and mandatory control measures:
Lower Exposure Action Value: 80dB(A) daily or 135dB(C) peak (equivalent to a telephone dial tone)
Upper Exposure Action Value: 85dB(A) daily or 137dB(C) peak (equivalent to city traffic)
Exposure Limit Value: 87dB(A) daily or 140dB(C) peak (MUST NOT be exceeded - equivalent to jet engine)
High-Risk Scottish Industries:
Construction: Power tools, concrete breakers, generators, heavy machinery
Manufacturing: Production machinery, compressed air equipment, metal working
Agriculture: Tractors, grain dryers, livestock operations, machinery
Entertainment: Music venues, nightclubs, theatres with sound systems
Quarrying: Crushing equipment, drilling, blasting operations
Control Measures - Hierarchy of Protection:
As with all workplace hazards, control measures follow a hierarchy from most to least effective:
Elimination: Remove the noise source entirely through process changes
Reduction at source: Quieter equipment, regular maintenance, vibration dampening
Engineering controls: Sound insulation, acoustic barriers, enclosures, distance from source
Administrative controls: Job rotation, restricted access zones, reduced exposure times, training
Hearing protection: Earplugs, earmuffs (only as last resort after other measures)
Employer Duties:
Scottish employers must conduct noise assessments where exposure may exceed lower action values, provide health surveillance (hearing checks) for employees regularly exposed above upper action values, maintain equipment to minimise noise generation, and deliver comprehensive training ensuring employees understand the risks, know how to use controls correctly, and report any problems.
Workers have corresponding duties to use hearing protection when provided, report any defects in noise control equipment, and attend required health surveillance appointments. The long-term consequences of noise exposure make prevention critical - once hearing is damaged, it cannot be restored.
Year-Over-Year Trends: What Do They Mean for Scottish Businesses?
The comparison between 2023/24 and 2024/25 statistics reveals important trends that should inform your workplace health strategy:
Rising Mental Health Concerns (↑ 24%)
The 188,000 additional workers suffering from work-related stress represents the most alarming trend. This isn't just a statistical increase - it reflects real people in Scottish workplaces experiencing genuine harm. Possible contributing factors include:
Post-pandemic workplace pressures and hybrid working challenges
Economic uncertainty affecting job security
Increased workload expectations with fewer resources
Reduced social support in increasingly digital work environments
Action needed
Stress risk assessments should move from tick-box exercises to genuine evaluations of workload, control, support, relationships, role clarity, and organisational change impacts.
Improving MSD Management (↓ 6%)
The 32,000 reduction in musculoskeletal disorder cases demonstrates that workplace interventions are working, this positive trend likely reflects:
Increased awareness and training following high-profile campaigns
Better ergonomic workplace design, particularly in office environments
More comprehensive manual handling training programmes
Earlier intervention when workers report discomfort
Key lesson
Sustained focus on manual handling controls, ergonomic improvements, and training delivers measurable results. Scottish businesses investing in comprehensive manual handling training see reduced injury rates and associated costs.
Persistent Legacy Issues
The 2,218 mesothelioma deaths remind us that today's exposures create tomorrow's statistics, current hazardous substance controls protect future workers, but past exposures continue taking lives decades later.
Critical message
Every exposure matters. Today's "acceptable" exposures may cause future harm, making rigorous hazardous substance control not just legally required but morally imperative.
The Real Cost of Workplace Health Risks
2024/25 Economic Impact:
£22.9 billion total estimated cost to UK economy
40.1 million working days lost (19% increase from previous year)
124 fatal workplace injuries (each representing immeasurable family tragedy)
680,000 non-fatal injuries requiring time off work
These aren't just statistics - they represent:
Scottish workers suffering preventable harm
Families dealing with injury consequences
Businesses facing productivity losses
NHS resources treating preventable conditions
Economic productivity permanently lost
For individual Scottish businesses, the costs include:
Direct costs: Compensation claims, legal fees, increased insurance premiums, RIDDOR investigation time
Indirect costs: Lost productivity, recruitment and training costs, investigation resources, damaged reputation, reduced staff morale
Hidden costs: Near-miss incidents, minor injuries not reported, reduced efficiency from inadequate controls
Research consistently shows that indirect costs typically exceed direct costs by a factor of 8 to 36, meaning the true business impact of workplace health risks far exceeds obvious immediate costs.
Legal Duties: What Scottish Employers Must Do
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a fundamental duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees. This general duty is supported by specific regulations addressing each of the top five health risks:
Required Actions:
Risk Assessment: Comprehensive identification and evaluation of all workplace health risks
Control Measures: Implementation of appropriate controls following the hierarchy (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE)
Training: Provision of adequate information, instruction and training for all employees
Health Surveillance: Where required by regulations (e.g., noise exposure, hazardous substances)
Monitoring: Regular review and update of risk assessments and control measures
Documentation: Maintaining records demonstrating compliance with legal duties
Scottish employers must remember:
"Reasonably practicable" is determined by balancing the level of risk against the cost, time and effort needed to control it
Ignorance of risks is not a defence - employers must actively seek to identify hazards
Control measures must be maintained and remain effective over time
Employee consultation and involvement improves control effectiveness and demonstrates commitment
Failure to comply with health and safety legislation can result in enforcement action ranging from improvement notices through to prosecution, unlimited fines, and in cases of gross negligence, imprisonment for individuals responsible.
Get Expert HSE Training for Your Scottish Business
Based in Inverness and serving businesses across Scotland, we deliver comprehensive HSE training that addresses all five top workplace health risks identified in the 2024/25 statistics:
Our Core Training Programmes:
Addresses the 511,000 MSD cases reported annually
Covers TILE and LITE risk assessment frameworks
Practical techniques for safe lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling
Industry-specific scenarios for your workplace
Meets Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 requirements
Supports management of the 964,000 stress-related illness cases
De-escalation techniques for challenging situations
Communication strategies to reduce workplace conflict
Breakaway techniques for personal safety
Trauma-informed approaches to behaviour management
Immediate response to workplace injuries from slips, trips, falls
HSE-approved courses from Emergency First Aid to First Aid at Work
Practical skills in emergency treatment and casualty management
Regular refresher training maintaining competency
Meets Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 requirements
Comprehensive workplace safety including fire risk management
Emergency evacuation procedures and coordination
Risk assessment and hazard identification
Meets Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requirements
Why Choose NAGS Training Solutions?
16+ years NHS healthcare experience: Practical understanding of real workplace health risks
Professional certifications: Fully qualified and HSE-compliant training delivery
Scottish-focused content: Examples and scenarios relevant to Scottish businesses
Flexible delivery: On-site training at your premises or our Inverness training centre
Express training available: Urgent compliance needs addressed quickly
Certification included: Documented evidence of training for HSE inspections
Post-training support: Ongoing advice and guidance on implementation
Take Action Today
With work-related stress cases up 24% and overall working days lost up 19%, the evidence is clear: workplace health risks are intensifying, not diminishing, Scottish businesses cannot afford complacency.
The HSE's 2024/25 statistics show:
1.9 million workers suffering work-related illness
40.1 million working days lost
£22.9 billion economic cost
124 preventable workplace deaths
Behind every statistic is a Scottish worker suffering preventable harm and a business facing avoidable costs.
How NAGS Training Solutions Can Help
Don't wait for an incident, inspection, or injury to take action, protect your workforce, ensure legal compliance, and safeguard your business with comprehensive health and safety training from professionals who understand Scottish workplace challenges.
📞 Call us now: 07942 468967
📧 Email: info@nagstraining.com
🌐 Book online: www.nagstraining.com/contact
Available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm | Serving businesses across Inverness, Highlands, Moray & throughout Scotland
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the HSE top 5 health risks in 2025?
The HSE's 2024/25 statistics identify work-related stress and mental health (964,000 affected), musculoskeletal disorders (511,000 affected), workplace exposure to hazardous substances (2,218 mesothelioma deaths), slips, trips and falls (29% of all injuries), and noise-induced hearing loss as the top five workplace health risks facing UK workers.
How many workers are affected by work-related illness in the UK?
According to the HSE's 2024/25 statistics, 1.9 million working people in Great Britain are currently suffering from a work-related illness, with work-related stress, depression and anxiety accounting for 964,000 cases (50.7% of the total) and musculoskeletal disorders affecting 511,000 workers (26.9% of the total).
What is the legal duty for employers regarding workplace health risks?
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees. This includes conducting risk assessments, implementing appropriate control measures, providing adequate training, maintaining health surveillance where required, and regularly reviewing and updating safety procedures.
How much do workplace health risks cost the UK economy?
The HSE estimates that work-related injuries and ill health from current working conditions cost the UK economy £22.9 billion in 2023/24 (most recent available data). This includes direct costs such as compensation and healthcare, plus indirect costs including lost productivity, recruitment expenses, and damaged business reputation.
What training is legally required to manage workplace health risks?
Legal training requirements vary by industry and specific risks present. However, most Scottish businesses require manual handling training (if employees lift, carry, push or pull), first aid training (at least one appointed person, more for higher-risk environments), fire safety training (all employees), and specific training for hazardous substances (COSHH), working at height, noise exposure, and other identified risks. All training must be documented to demonstrate compliance during HSE inspections.
About NAGS Training Solutions: Based in Inverness, NAGS Training Solutions delivers expert health and safety training across Scotland, helping businesses protect their workforce whilst ensuring full HSE compliance. Founded by Denver Naguit, who brings 16+ years of NHS healthcare experience and professional certifications in occupational health and safety, we provide practical, industry-relevant training that addresses real workplace challenges facing Scottish businesses.
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