Injury analysis - overview

Data on work-related injuries is available from two sources: the Labour Force Survey (LFS) and accidents reported by employers through the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).

The Labour Force Survey provides estimates of both the total number of accidents at work and the number which should have been reported under RIDDOR. In reality, around half of the accidents which should be reported are actually reported. In 2008/09, we estimate that there were 726 000 accidents at work. For 246 000 of these, the injured person was absent from work for at least 4 days and hence these accidents would have been reportable under RIDDOR.

The chart below shows trends in the rate of reportable injury per 100,000 workers from the two sources since 1999/00.  There has been a sharp decline in the rate of reportable injury from the LFS since 2002/03.