Costs to Britain of Workplace Injuries and Ill health
New estimates show the total cost associated with workplace injuries and ill health in Great Britain (excluding occupational cancer) to be some £14 billion in 2009/10. This total has fallen in the last 3 years, reflecting the downward movements in injury and illness numbers (HSE cost model).
- The cost estimates aim to reflect the economic costs of injuries and common ill health complaints resulting from current working conditions.
- Of the total cost in 2009/10, workplace illness cost society an estimated £8.5 billion; workplace injury (including fatalities) an estimated £5.4 billion.
- Somewhat over half of the total cost in 2009/10 fell on individuals whilst the remainder was shared between employers and government.
- £6.3 billion of the total cost in 2009/10 represents financial costs; the remaining £7.6 billion represents the monetary value given to individuals' 'pain, grief and suffering'.
- Between 2006/07 and 2009/10 the estimated total cost fell by around £2 billion (£14 billion in 2009/10 compared with £16 billion in 2006/07).
- Cost estimates for 2006/07 and onwards are not directly comparable with previously published figures, being based on new, more accurate methods.
- Further work is underway to estimate costs of less common work-related illness conditions such as cancer. These costs could be considerable.
Total cost of workplace fatalities, injuries and ill health in Great Britain, 2006/07-2009/10 (2009 prices)
Note: average sampling variability +/- 8% on the total
Information about costs of workplace fatalities, injuries and ill health in Great Britain
