As the government’s lockdown restrictions start to gradually ease, people are beginning to head back into the workplace in many industries.

With heightened awareness about staying safe, now seems the best time to have a look at workplace safety. In a recent report by the Health and Safety Executive, 581,000 workers sustained a non-fatal injury in the UK in 2018/19. More worrying, in the same period, 147 workers suffered a fatal injury, with the most common cause reported as falling from a height.

The industry which saw the highest amount of fatal injuries was agriculture, forestry and fishing, closely followed by construction and manufacturing. On the plus side, the figures continue to fall every year as many workplaces put safety at the top of the agenda.

The most common workplace injuries throughout 2018/2019 as reported by the HSE are:

  • Slips, trips or falls on same level – 29%
  • Handling, lifting or carrying – 20%
  • Struck by moving object – 10%
  • Acts of violence – 8%
  • Falls from a height – 8%

The HSE is responsible for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 or RIDDOR if you’re into shortening things, which requires workplaces to report certain serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases and specified dangerous occurrences.

What happens if you don’t report a specified incident? As an employer, you are legally required to record certain workplace incidents, either in an accident book or through a RIDDOR report. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and could result in prosecution and a hefty fine.

If an employee suffers an injury in the workplace and takes your business to court, this will be covered under your Employers’ Liability Insurance. The minimum level required legally is at least £5million but some businesses will require more based on their industry and nature of work carried out.

At Gravity Risk Services Ltd we specialise in working with businesses across a range of sectors to uncover the risks that you are subject to and cover these with tailored insurance. Based on a number of criteria, we will determine the levels of cover you need, along with any optional features. To arrange a no-obligation consultation, get in touch.