New research by national law firm Slater and Gordon reveals the real-life impact of workplace injury, with nearly nine in 10 injured workers requiring further assistance or support following a workplace incident (89%).
In a survey of 1,000 UK workers, 14% report that they had been injured at work in the last 12 months. Without the right measures, assessments and regular reviews in place, workplace accidents can happen to anyone, anytime. The research highlights the serious consequences that workplace injuries can have on workers’ health, wellbeing and career.
Further data found that more than a quarter of workplace injuries result in a broken bone or fracture (28%), or resulted in sustaining bruises, sprains or twists (27%). Head injuries were also common, affecting one in five injured workers (21%), demonstrating just how dangerous accidents can be in workplace settings.
Beyond the initial accident, more than a quarter of injured workers required medical treatment for their injury (28%) or needed time off work to rest and recover (26%).
For almost one in five injured workers (19%) their recovery required rehabilitation – bringing to light the long-term impact workplace accidents can have. The damage can also be permanent, with 18% of respondents reporting that their physical health has not returned to its pre-accident condition, and 12% suffered permanent damage.
The law firm also revealed that workplace incidents go further than just physical injuries, but also cause emotional damage. Nearly a fifth of workers said their injury had caused a strain on their relationships with family and friends (18%), while 16% suffered an impact to their mental health, with their injury taking a toll on their wellbeing and lifestyle as they coped with recovery.
Workplace injuries also affect careers and worker confidence. One in six injured workers reported a loss of confidence (16%), with concerns about their own abilities, employer trust and their work environment.
For another 16%, the impact of their workplace injury was so severe that they felt compelled to leave their industry altogether.
Bob Miller (pictued), senior associate solicitor, says this is the unfortunate reality that he witnesses on a daily basis when supporting clients with workplace injury claims.
He explains further:
“It is essential that we understand just how important it is to have the right measures in place to protect workers from harm. Without this, workers can be subjected to serious injuries, as highlighted in the research, and the impact of this can be immeasurable; from long-term recovery, income loss, permanent physical damage and even ending careers depending on the severity of the accident.
“Employers have a responsibility to identify risks, maintain safe working environments and ensure staff feel confident reporting concerns. Effective risk assessments, appropriate training and strong safety procedures help reduce the likelihood of accidents and protect workers from avoidable harm.
“Employees should also feel empowered to report unsafe conditions or incidents without fear of repercussions. Open reporting helps employers address hazards early and prevent similar accidents from happening. This applies to all industries.”
(Picture: Slater and Gordon)
