Research reveals that 95% of tradespeople have been injured at work.
The research by Direct Line business insurance also found that 50% of tradespeople acknowledge that health and safety requirements and procedures are not consistently followed on site.
Analysis of new Health and Safety Executive data revealed that 47,000 people working in construction trades suffered a non-fatal injury at work in the three-year period 2021/22 from 2023/24. There were also 51 fatal injuries in the construction industry in 2023/24.
It found that 26% of injured tradespeople surveyed requiring six months or longer off work to recover. A total of 96% of tradespeople report not knowing anyone in their field who has avoided workplace injuries.
According to the Health and Safety Executive data, approximately 425,000 working days were lost in 2021/22-2023/24 in the construction sector due to workplace injury. A total of 18% tradespeople admitted that they are not fully informed about relevant rules and regulations.
The research found that 37% of tradespeople would speak to a trainee or apprentice on-site if they weren’t following health and safety procedures and 41% of tradespeople would intervene if a health and safety breach put their own safety at risk. A total of 37% of those accountable for safety on site would actually address a colleague for not following health and safety procedures.
Mark Summerville, product manager at Direct Line business insurance, said: “Health and safety awareness in some businesses remains inadequate, resulting in preventable workplace injuries and in some rare cases, fatalities. Neglecting to implement and adhere to health and safety regulation 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.”