Workplace Safety Statistics: Latest Data & Summary

Last Edited: April 23, 2024

Highlights: The Most Important Statistics

  • 34.4% of falls occur in the construction industry.
  • Risky behavior contributes to 88% of injuries in the workplace.
  • One in five deaths among U.S. workers occur in the construction industry.
  • 20% of all workplace fatalities in Canada happened because of falls.
  • 97% of occupational accidents in Singapore are due to unsafe behavior or conditions.
  • Industries such as healthcare and retail experience the highest number of nonfatal injuries.
  • As of 2011, only 61% of the world's workforce had access to some form of occupational safety and health services.
  • Offices are actually some of the most injury-prone workplaces, with 25,000 office injuries reported every year.
  • Back injuries account for one of every five injuries and illnesses in the workplace.
  • More than 27 million working days were lost due to workplace injuries in 2017/18 in the UK.

The Latest Workplace Safety Statistics Explained

34.4% of falls occur in the construction industry.

The statistic “34.4% of falls occur in the construction industry” indicates the proportion of all reported falls that take place within the construction sector. This statistic suggests that falls are a significant risk within the construction industry compared to other sectors. It is crucial for stakeholders such as employers, workers, and regulatory bodies to pay close attention to safety measures and protocols in construction sites to prevent falls and mitigate risks to workers’ health and safety. Understanding this statistic can help inform targeted interventions and strategies to address fall-related incidents in the construction industry effectively.

Risky behavior contributes to 88% of injuries in the workplace.

The statistic that risky behavior contributes to 88% of injuries in the workplace indicates that a significant majority of workplace injuries are a result of employees engaging in behaviors that increase the likelihood of accidents or harm. This suggests that the majority of workplace injuries are preventable and could be reduced by addressing and mitigating risky behaviors through proper training, implementation of safety protocols, and creating a culture that prioritizes safety. Identifying and addressing the specific risky behaviors that lead to injuries can help organizations improve safety measures and reduce the frequency and severity of workplace injuries.

One in five deaths among U.S. workers occur in the construction industry.

The statistic ‘One in five deaths among U.S. workers occur in the construction industry’ highlights a significant occupational hazard faced by construction workers in the United States. This statistic implies that the construction industry is disproportionately affected by workplace fatalities compared to other industries, with 20% of all workplace deaths occurring within this sector. Factors contributing to this high fatality rate in construction may include the physical nature of the work, exposure to hazardous materials, working at heights, and the operation of heavy machinery. Addressing safety concerns and implementing effective safety measures are crucial in reducing the number of fatalities in the construction industry and ensuring the well-being of workers.

20% of all workplace fatalities in Canada happened because of falls.

The statistic that 20% of all workplace fatalities in Canada occurred due to falls indicates that falls are a significant and concerning cause of death in Canadian workplaces. This statistic suggests that falling incidents pose a significant risk to worker safety, highlighting the importance of implementing proper safety measures to prevent falls in the workplace. Addressing this issue through improved safety training, implementing fall protection equipment, and ensuring that workplaces adhere to safety regulations can help reduce the number of fatalities caused by falls and create a safer working environment for employees in Canada.

97% of occupational accidents in Singapore are due to unsafe behavior or conditions.

The statistic that 97% of occupational accidents in Singapore are due to unsafe behavior or conditions suggests that the overwhelming majority of workplace incidents are preventable through better practices and measures. This information underscores the importance of prioritizing safety measures and promoting a safety-first culture in Singaporean workplaces. By addressing risky behaviors and improving workplace conditions, businesses can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries, ultimately creating a safer and more secure working environment for employees. This statistic serves as a critical reminder for employers to continuously assess and improve safety standards to protect the well-being of their workforce.

Industries such as healthcare and retail experience the highest number of nonfatal injuries.

The statistic states that industries such as healthcare and retail have the highest number of nonfatal injuries among their workers. This suggests that these industries pose occupational health and safety risks that can result in injuries that do not lead to fatalities but still impact the well-being of workers. In healthcare, employees may be at risk of injuries from lifting patients, needle sticks, or exposure to pathogens, while in retail, common accidents could include slips, trips, and falls. Understanding these patterns can help inform targeted interventions and preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of nonfatal injuries in these sectors, ultimately improving the safety and health outcomes for workers in these industries.

As of 2011, only 61% of the world’s workforce had access to some form of occupational safety and health services.

The statistic indicates that in 2011, only 61% of the global workforce had some level of access to occupational safety and health services, highlighting potential disparities in workplace safety standards and infrastructure around the world. This means that a significant portion of workers may be lacking adequate protection and support in terms of occupational health and safety measures. The statistic underscores the importance of improving access to such services for all workers to ensure their well-being, reduce workplace accidents and illnesses, and promote overall occupational health and safety standards globally. Efforts to increase access to occupational safety and health services are crucial to safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for all.

Offices are actually some of the most injury-prone workplaces, with 25,000 office injuries reported every year.

The statistic suggests that offices are more injury-prone workplaces than commonly perceived, as evidenced by an annual report of 25,000 office injuries. This highlights the importance of prioritizing workplace safety measures within office environments to prevent and reduce the occurrence of injuries. The figure serves as a reminder that even seemingly low-risk settings like offices can pose significant dangers to employees, emphasizing the necessity for employers to implement appropriate safety protocols and training programs to safeguard the well-being of their workers.

Back injuries account for one of every five injuries and illnesses in the workplace.

The statistic indicates that back injuries represent a significant portion of workplace injuries and illnesses, with approximately 20% of all cases being related to back issues. This suggests that back injuries are a common concern in various work environments and can contribute significantly to occupational health problems. Given the prevalence of back injuries, it underscores the importance of implementing appropriate safety measures, ergonomic practices, and employee training programs to prevent and mitigate the risks associated with such injuries in the workplace. Addressing back injury prevention proactively can potentially reduce the overall burden of workplace injuries and illnesses and create a safer and healthier work environment for employees.

More than 27 million working days were lost due to workplace injuries in 2017/18 in the UK.

The statistic states that over 27 million working days were lost in the UK during the 2017/18 period as a direct result of workplace injuries. This figure highlights the significant impact that workplace injuries can have on both employees and businesses in terms of lost productivity and potential economic consequences. These lost working days not only affect the injured individuals but also disrupt the overall operations and performance of the organizations they work for. This statistic underscores the importance of maintaining a safe work environment and implementing effective health and safety measures to prevent workplace injuries and minimize their impact on both employees and the economy.

References

0. – https://ehsdailyadvisor.blr.com

1. – https://www.ccohs.ca

2. – https://www.wsh-institute.sg

3. – https://www.ilo.org

4. – https://www.ishn.com

5. – https://www.lawatwork.co.uk

6. – https://www.vested.com.au

7. – https://stopconstructionfalls.com

8. – https://www.cdc.gov

About The Author

Jannik is the Co-Founder of WifiTalents and has been working in the digital space since 2016.

Browse More Statistic Reports