Direct Line business insurance found that 95% of tradesmen had experienced an injury at work, highlighting the critical need for increased health and safety knowledge.
Half (50%) of tradesmen admit that on-site adherence to health and safety regulations and protocols is inconsistent.
In the three years between 2021–2022 and 2023–2024, 47,000 workers in construction trades experienced a non-fatal workplace accident, according to an analysis of recent Health and Safety Executive data2. In 2023–2024, there were 51 fatal injuries and almost one fatality every week in the construction sector.
More than a quarter (26%) of injured tradesmen surveyed said they needed six months or more off work to recover, demonstrating the widespread effects of occupational accidents. Concerningly, 96% of craftspeople say they don’t know anyone in their industry who has escaped workplace accidents, underscoring how pervasive the problem is.
Based on data from the Health and Safety Executive, the construction industry lost around 425,0003 working days in 2021–2023-2023/24 as a result of workplace injuries, which significantly impacted enterprises and disrupted livelihoods. Nearly one in five (18%) tradesmen acknowledge that they are not fully knowledgeable about pertinent laws and regulations, highlighting the essential issue of health and safety awareness.
Less than half (41%) of tradespeople would step in if a health and safety violation endangered their safety, and only one-third (37%) of tradespeople would confront a trainee or apprentice on the job site if they weren’t adhering to health and safety protocols. It’s concerning that only 37% of individuals in charge of on-site safety would confront a coworker for disregarding health and safety protocols.
“Health and safety awareness in some businesses remains inadequate, resulting in preventable workplace injuries and some rare cases, fatalities,” says Mark Summerville, Product Manager at Direct Line Business Insurance.
“Neglecting to implement and adhere to health and safety regulations can lead to severe physical harm, avoidable business interruption, and potentially significant legal repercussions.
“It is essential for businesses and their employees to ensure that they have the correct health and safety training in place so that they stay informed about current regulations. It is also important to foster a culture where safe working practices are deeply embedded so that people get home safely to their families and loved ones.”
