Category Archives: Health and Safety


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Health and Safety within the workplace: Summary statistics for Great Britain for 2025

Here at Walker Health and Safety Services Limited, we have researched (from various websites) and identified a number of statistics on workplace injuries and health and safety in Great Britain. Upon reflection, it is evident that the number of injuries remains high, underscoring the importance of prioritising workplace safety. The stats show that when health and safety rules are overlooked, it reveals what can go wrong.

It is essential that workers, employers, and managers all play their part in creating a safe and secure workplace. Following health and safety rules is crucial for protecting employees from harm, ensuring legal compliance, boosting productivity, and enhancing business reputation.

This shouldn’t be seen as a burden as it offers significant benefits – reduced costs, reduced risks, lower absences from employees, and lessened threat of legal action.

Health and safety with the workplace statistics for 2025:

  • 964,000 workers suffer from work-related stress, depression or anxiety.

Source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

  • 511,000 workers suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder.

Source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

  • 9 million Workers suffering from work related ill health (new or longstanding) in 2024/25.

Source: Estimates based on self-reports from the Labour Force Survey for people who worked in the last 12 months

  • 11,000 Lung disease deaths each year estimated to be linked to past exposures at work.

Source: Counts from death certificates and estimates from epidemiological information

  • 2,218 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures (2023).

Source: Counts from death certificates and estimates from epidemiological information

  • 124 workers killed in work-related accidents 124 workers killed in work-related accidents.

Source: RIDDOR

  • 1 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury Source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
  • 59,219 injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR

Source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

  • 680,000 working people sustained an injury at work according to the Labour Force Survey.

Source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

  • 1 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury. Source: Estimates based on self-reports from the Labour Force Survey
  • £22.9 billion estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions (2023/24).

Source: Estimates based on HSE Cost Model

  • 5 billion Annual costs of workplace injury in 2023/24.

Source: Estimates based on HSE Cost Model

Contact us if you feel you require assistance with your health and safety requirements.

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Merry Christmas 2025

Hey!

As the festive season approaches and the year draws to a close, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to you for your continued support and for working with us throughout the year. It has truly been a pleasure collaborating with you.

In the spirit of Christmas, instead of sending cards or gifts, we have chosen to make a donation to Severn Hospice, supporting the incredible work they do for individuals and families in our community.

Please note that we will be closing for the Christmas break on Christmas Eve and will return to work on Monday 5th January 2026!

We would like to wish you and your teams a very Merry Christmas, a relaxing festive break, and our very best wishes for a happy, healthy and successful 2026.

Warm festive wishes,

Walker Health and Safety Services

 

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Looking Back, Moving Forward: 2025 Health, Safety & Environmental Lessons

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s the ideal time for organisations to pause, reflect, and reset. At Walker Health and Safety Services, we’ve worked alongside a wide range of clients this year, and one theme has stood out: the businesses that thrive are those that treat health, safety, and environmental (HSE) management as a continuous journey, not a one-off task.

Key Lessons from 2025

From our consultancy perspective, several lessons have been clear this year:

  • Preparedness is Everything: Organisations with up-to-date risk assessments and contingency planning were better equipped to deal with unexpected challenges, from severe weather to operational pressures.
  • Wellbeing is Part of Safety: Supporting mental health and work-life balance has proven just as vital as physical safety. Businesses that embraced this saw stronger engagement and lower absence rates.
  • Sustainability Cannot Be Sidelined: Clients who embedded environmental responsibility into daily practices gained not only compliance confidence but also reputational benefits with customers and stakeholders.

Setting the Tone for 2026

As we look ahead, our advice is to focus on three priorities:

  • Refresh and Review: Enter 2026 with risk assessments, policies, and training all up to date and relevant to current operations.
  • Embed a Safety-First Culture: Move beyond box-ticking. Create a culture where health, safety, and wellbeing are part of every decision made on site and in the office.
  • Elevate Environmental Goals: Whether it’s reducing waste, improving recycling, or investing in energy efficiency, even small changes can add up to big impacts.

Celebrating Success

We encourage our clients to take time this December to acknowledge achievements. Reduced accident rates, improved compliance audits, or successful environmental initiatives deserve recognition — celebrating progress builds momentum for the year ahead.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

The landscape of health, safety, and environment is always evolving, but the principle remains the same: prevention is better than cure. By learning from 2025 and planning proactively for 2026, organisations can safeguard their people, protect the environment, and strengthen their resilience.

At Walker Health and Safety Services, we’ll continue to support clients with practical, tailored advice to help them achieve their goals in the year ahead.

Contact us to discuss your health and safety requirements.

 

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Closing the Year Safely: December Health, Safety & Environmental Reminders

December blends festive celebrations with winter extremes, making it one of the most complex months for HSE management. It’s also an opportune moment for inclusion and reflection.

Key Focus Areas and Relevant UK Campaigns:

1. Safety Essentials

– Workload & Fatigue Prevention: Encourage balanced hours and check in with teams handling year-end responsibilities.
– Festive Celebrations: Plan social events with safety in mind—consider transport arrangements, manage alcohol responsibly, and ensure inclusivity.
– Winter Hazards: Maintain gritting, safe routes, and emergency measures for outdoor or travelling staff.

2. Inclusion & Wellbeing

– International Day of Persons with Disabilities – 3 December: This UN-led observance encourages awareness of disability issues and inclusive practices (https://awareness-days.co.uk/awareness-day/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities/2025-12-03/). Use it as a reminder to review workplace accessibility, ensure holiday events are inclusive, and highlight support for staff who may find the festive period isolating or challenging.

3. Environmental Stewardship

– Year-End Energy Management: Promote a “switch-off” initiative for unused equipment and appliances to reduce waste and cost.
– Sustainable Festivities: Avoid single-use plastics, encourage recycling, and choose eco-friendly decor and catering options.

4. Reflection & Planning

December is also the time to review progress against HSE objectives for the year and set fresh goals for the year ahead. Celebrating achievements while identifying areas for improvement ensures momentum carries into January.

Why This Matters

This blog positions your business as both caring and professional—balancing safety, culture, and sustainability at a critical time of year.

Contact us for you health and safety requirements.

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Slips and Trips – Icy Weather

Slips and Trips in Icy Weather: Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard

As temperatures drop and pavements freeze, the risks of slips and trips rises sharply. Icy surfaces are deceptively dangerous—what looks like a harmless patch of frost could send you flying.

Why It’s Risky

  • Black ice is invisible and extremely slippery.
  • Snow-covered hazards like uneven paving or curbs are hard to spot.
  • Wet leaves and slush can be just as treacherous as ice.

Safety Tips for Walking in Winter

  • Wear sturdy footwear with good grip—avoid smooth soles.
  • Walk slowly and carefully, taking shorter steps.
  • Use handrails where available, especially on stairs and ramps.
  • Keep hands out of pockets to help balance and break a fall if needed.
  • Stay alert for icy patches near building entrances, car parks, and shaded areas.

Slips and trips in icy weather aren’t just inconvenient—they can lead to serious injury. A few simple precautions can make all the difference.

Contact us if you require further guidance.