A report from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has highlighted that, between 2022-2023, there was a 10% increase in fatal workplace accidents.

The report states that between April 2022-March 2023, 135 people died in workplace accidents. Of this number, the construction industry makes up the highest percentage with 45 fatalities.  Meaning that as it stands, construction is the most dangerous industry to work in.

There is plenty of opportunity for injury on a construction site, especially when employers are negligent. Such as when they fail to provide the correct protective equipment, or when machinery is poorly maintained.

Despite these facts, less victims report workplace accidents to their supervisors, often out of fear of the repercussions.

Construction workers who injure themselves at work, often feel that the blame for such incidents could be put on themselves, with the accident being construed as a careless mistake. However, a lot of workers fail to realise that accidents may be caused by employer negligence.

“Accidents at work are inevitable”

Another 2023 study revealed that two fifths of construction workers believe that accidents at work are inevitable.

This statistic is followed by almost half of those surveyed (48%) believing that their manager could do more to improve safety on site.

The stats in this survey reveal:

  • 78% said they have been involved in an accident at work;

  • 40% said they sometimes feel unsafe at work;

  • 41% said they have been made to work in unsafe conditions;

  • 38% said they believe that a serious accident at work is inevitable.

The same survey found that the most common injuries in the construction industry are:

  • Slips, trips and falls (45%)

  • Cuts or lacerations (43%)

  • Muscle strain (41%)

  • Hit by falling object (25%)

  • Repetitive strain injury (21%)

With all these stats considered, it is no surprise that the construction industry is most dangerous industry to work in.

Injuries at work can cause severe mental and physical strain, and in some cases, be life changing.

Younger workers are more vulnerable to workplace accidents

We recently acted in a case for a construction apprentice who at the negligence of his employer, suffered life changing injuries after falling off of a roof.

It has been reported that one-third of non-fatal workplace accidents are made up by employees in their first year of service.

This high percentage is often due to lack of experience, but if employees have not received proper training, and/or are made to work in unsafe conditions, which 41% of people say they have been; then the blame for workplace injuries must be placed upon the employer.

Young workers often feel afraid to report their accidents at work, at risk of embarrassment or loss of earnings. However, if employees fail to report accidents, hazards can go unnoticed and over time, lead to a fatal injury.

Workers have the right to refuse to perform a task if they believe they are at risk. Unfortunately, a lot of young employees aren’t unaware of this, hence why they make up a large percentage of non-fatal accidents.

If you have suffered an accident at work and would like some specialist advice, our experts at Farleys can help. We have wealth of experience in managing claims against employers. To speak to one of or expert personal injury solicitors either call the team on 0845 287 0939, get in touch by email, or use the online chat below.