Over a quarter of tradespeople have had a workplace injury that has prevented them from working for over six months

4 min read
  • Almost all (95%) tradespeople say they’ve suffered a workplace injury during their career
  • 35 people working in construction suffered a fatal injury in 2024-25 and a further 50,000 had a non-fatal workplace injury
  • Falls from height are the most common reason for non-fatal injuries in construction (33% of the total)

As new figures from the Health and Safety Executive1 reveal 50,000 construction workers suffered a workplace injury in 2024-2025, research from Direct Line business insurance2 shows that over a quarter of tradespeople (26%) have suffered a workplace injury that left them unable to work for over six months. A further 29% have had an injury that prevented them from working for between a week and a month and almost all tradespeople (95%) said they’d been injured at work at some point3. 

The Health & Safety Executive’s data for 2024-25 shows that construction is the second most dangerous sector for workplace injuries with 2,500 injuries per 100,000 workers, compared to 3,080 per 100,000 in accommodation and food service.  

According to Direct Line’s research, just over 1 in 7 tradespeople (15%) said that they weren’t very aware of the health and safety rules that apply to their job, with a further 3% admitting to having no awareness of the rules at all. Less than half (39%) of all the tradespeople who responded to the survey said that they were fully aware of health and safety rules and make sure that they stay abreast of any changes. 

Even when tradespeople are aware of the health and safety requirements, they aren’t always followed. In fact, just 39% said that they were adhered to all the time, a further 42% said it was most of the time and 13% admitted they were followed some of the time. Shockingly, more than 5% of tradies said the rules were rarely or never followed. 

Falling from a height is the most common cause of injuries on construction sites. Injuries whilst lifting or carrying account for the most injuries that result in a week or more off work. 

Table 1 – causes of non-fatal workplace injuries in construction 2024-2025

Workplace injury

Percentage of non-fatal injuries

Percentage of non-fatal injuries resulting in more than seven days’ incapacitation for the worker

Fall from a height 

33% 

12% 

Slips, trips or falls on the same level 

30% 

22% 

Struck by a moving object (including items falling) 

13% 

12% 

Injured whilst lifting or carrying 

7% 

24% 

Source: Direct Line Business Insurance / Health & Safety Executive

 

Mark Summerville, SME Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance, commented:

“Whilst the trend in construction injuries and fatalities is downwards, the numbers are still too high.  

“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 regulations can lead to 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 and that they are up to date on current regulations. Equally important is fostering a culture where safe working practices are deeply embedded in the day-to-day." 

 

ENDS

Notes to editors

  1. Health and Safety Executive key figures for Great Britain 2024-25 - https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/index.htm  
  2. The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 500 tradespeople across the UK (aged 16+). The data was collected between 12.11.2024 - 14.11.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council. 
  3. Reverse of those who selected ‘None of the above - I haven't been injured at work’ 

For further information, please contact:

Unni Henry
PR Manager

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

About Direct Line business insurance

Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance provides a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors and is part of the Aviva Group.  

Customers can find out more about Direct Line business insurance products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk