Injury statistics in the pharmaceutical industry

How big is the problem in the pharmaceuticals industry?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) collate ergonomic injury data submitted through reportable accidents and diseases (RIDDOR reports). This data has been analysed to show the most common types of injury occurring within the pharmaceutical industry.

The following graphs relate to the RIDDOR reports submitted to the HSE between 2001 & 2004 from the pharmaceuticals sector.

Incidence of reported occupational injury

Manual handling incidents were the most frequently reported RIDDOR, with upper limb disorders being third most frequent.

Incidence of reported upper limb disorders

Cramp and tendon inflammation are the most commonly reported upper limb disorder.

Body areas injured due to manual handling

The back is most commonly injured during manual handling, followed by the upper limbs.