8 Chilling Workplace Safety Stats

In the world of workplace safety, ignorance is not bliss – it’s a matter of life and death. Below we share eight somber statistics related to health and safety in the workplace. Our goal? To shed some light on the urgency of safe operations, spark critical discussions and inspire immediate action towards building safer working environments for all.

In this article, the safety statistics we’ve collated help to support the pressing need for organizations to prioritize health and safety in their workplaces.

1.?2.3 million accidents every year

Every year, millions of workers tragically lose their lives through the course of workplace accidents or occupational diseases. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals how safety negligence at workplaces worldwide has fatal consequences. Approximately 2.3 million workers suffer workplace accidents or diseases globally each year, translating to 6,000 deaths every single day, and in the U.S., the total number of fatal work injuries increased by 8.9% between 2020 and 2021 . A staggering 20% of all those fatalities occurred on construction sites.

This harrowing figure amplifies the necessity for continually updated, fully comprehensive safety protocols and preventative measures to safeguard employees’ lives. The good news?

Consistent application of proper workplace safety systems has seen workplace fatalities drop 60.53% between 1970 and 2019 , showing that real change has measurable effects.

2.?2.8 million injuries every year

The workplace fatality rate is shocking, but the rate of non-fatal injuries is even higher and is often overlooked, posing a significant threat. A study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2019, affecting 2.8 out of every 100 U.S. workers, with 15% of those incidents occurring in the manufacturing industry. ?Not only do these injuries and illnesses scar employees physically and emotionally, but they also affect productivity and can lead to substantial financial losses.

3.?The 6 leading causes of death

Work-related stress is a rising trend, severely impacting employees and employers alike. Chronic stress is directly tied to the six leading causes of death including heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide.

The American Institute of Stress reveals that U.S. workers rank among the most stressed employees worldwide, with “more than 120,000 deaths per year and approximately 5%-8% of annual healthcare costs… associated with and attributable to how U.S. companies manage their work forces.” Implementing stress management programs and fostering a supporting work environment are crucial in mitigating this issue.

4.?$167 billion economic impact

Work-related injuries had a whopping $167 billion economic impact in 2021 alone. This staggering figure encompasses everything from direct costs (e.g., medical expenses and workers’ compensation) and indirect costs (e.g., lost productivity and training replacement workers). The aftermath of that impact trickles down, gradually inflating insurance premiums, litigation costs for businesses and personal hardships for workers due to reduced income – culminating in $2.12 spent on the indirect cost of workplace injuries for every dollar spent on direct costs .

5.?$51 billion impact from mental health issues

The spotlight on mental health safety in the workplace is becoming ever brighter. Just as physical safety in the workplace is important, so too is nurturing and taking care of the mental and emotional health of employees. Conditions like depression are being recognized as systemic issues in health and safety, with the American Institute of Stress estimating that “depression-induced absenteeism costs U.S. businesses $51 billion a year, as well as an additional $26 billion in treatment costs .” Depression costs an estimated 200 million workdays every year, clearly demonstrating that businesses must invest in proactive mental health safety protocols to safeguard staff.

6. 103 million workdays lost in 2021

The ripple effects of workplace safety failures extend far beyond the incident’s immediate aftermath. Just under 70% of the 103 million workdays lost to injury in 2021 were caused by incidents. The remainder of those missed days were due to workplace injuries incurred in previous years. Looking forward, the National Safety Council estimates that 2021’s 70 million days lost to injuries will cause an additional 55 million days to be lost in future years . This figure shows the impact work-related injuries can have on overall productivity.

7.?Overexertion most likely to cause long-term disability

Not all workplace injuries hold the same potential to cause lasting harm. The two injuries that are most likely to end in long-term disability are overexertion when handling cargo and heavy objects and slips, trips and falls. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility and even, in severe cases, long-term or permanent disability that prevents a worker from continuing in their role.

8.?266,000 sprains every year

Among the various kinds of workplace injuries, sprains, tears and strains are the most common, clocking in at around 266,000 every year . While a sprain, tear or strain is less severe than the injuries which result in long-term disability, they still have a massive impact on individuals and organizations.

These shocking statistics show change is needed

When confronted by these shocking figures, it’s easy to feel the realization dawning that investing in workforce safety extends beyond regulatory compliance, hazard mitigation and productivity enhancement. Fundamentally, it’s about safeguarding lives. By acknowledging these harrowing realities, we can pave the way towards a paradigm shift where safety isn’t an afterthought but something that’s woven into the very fabric of a company’s strategy.

Because lurking beneath these stark numbers and cold metrics are human stories – employee aspirations and struggles. Every statistic and what we choose to do with the wisdom it provides is a poignant reminder of the lives that may be saved, an accident that might be prevented and a workplace that can be made safer.

Want to learn more about how your organization can provide a safer workplace for employees? Check our blog, What Is EHS Software? The Ultimate Guide.