Hard hats and hard truths: Navigating trade job risks
In the world of trade jobs, from construction sites to landscape gardening, the nature of the work is inherently demanding and, at times, risky - not only for your health, but also for your financial stability.
We surveyed 302 UK tradespeople who had been injured at work to find out the most common issues they experience, the personal repercussions, and what they can cost your business.
Most common causes of workplace injuries
Whether you’re a seasoned electrician, a skilled joiner, or a dedicated plumber, when you sign up for a trade job or agree to a contract, you understand the risks that come with the territory. You’re working in inconvenient places (think balanced on a ladder, in a tight space or under a boiler), with tools on jobs that can be hazardous themselves.
But what are the most common causes of workplace injuries that tradespeople face, and what should people be aware of?
When taking a deeper dive into the specific causes of injuries, it seems that the saying “only a bad worker blames their tools” is wrong, and for the majority of injured tradespeople, blaming their tools is only fair. Faulty equipment or tools was reported by 44% of respondents as a cause of workplace injuries. Poor equipment maintenance and failure to replace worn-out or damaged components can increase this risk, and taking the time to inspect and address any signs of wear and tear are essential measures to mitigate the risk of workplace injuries.
Other common causes of workplace injuries include a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) (38%) and poor safety regulations on site (36%). This is a key point for employers to avoid a scenario where an employee could be hurt; taking enhanced safety measures, providing proper safety equipment and comprehensive training to staff can help to reduce these risks.
The pitfalls of working in skilled trades: common injuries on the job
There is a myriad of challenges that can pose threats to the health and safety of the people who work in trade jobs. Understanding the most common injuries is important to creating a safer work environment that keeps you and other employees safe, prevents any delays and keeps clients happy. So, what do you need to keep an eye out for?
Whether it’s falling objects, accidental slips and trips on uneven terrain or falls from a height, our survey shows that head injuries and concussions account for 37% of reported injuries. These can happen in the blink of an eye, so ensuring you and any staff are wearing head protection can help minimise the impact.
Right behind head injuries are minor broken bones, which include fingers, toes, and noses, with 33% of tradespeople stating they’ve broken something while on the clock. Workers often engage in tasks that involve heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and exposure to various hazards, which can increase the risk of sustaining minor fractures. But injuries can also occur when handling heavy objects, like lifting construction materials, or accidental impacts from tools, equipment, or falling objects. Despite being labelled as "minor", these injuries can still cause a lot of pain and discomfort, impair mobility, and limit the ability to work.
And while many injuries are minor, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data revealed that in 2023/2024 there was a rate of 1.74 fatal injuries per 100,000 employees in the construction industry, and a higher rate of 3.62 per 100,000 for self-employed workers. As such, it’s vital that all sizes of business – from the self-employed to large construction companies - take steps to prevent injuries, and more importantly, fatalities, from occurring.
At Markel Direct, we provide our tradesmen insurance policy holders with access to the Markel Business Hub, which contains sample health and safety policy templates for employers, as well as guidance and advice on maintaining a safe working environment. Additionally, policyholders receive access to a 24/7 legal advice helpline to help navigate any challenging situations they may experience in their job.
10 most common injuries in skilled trades
| Injury | % tradespeople |
| Head injury | 37% |
| Minor broken bones (fingers, toes, nose etc.) | 33% |
| Back injury | 28% |
| Shoulder injury | 27% |
| Knee injury | 20% |
| Strain or sprain (ankles, wrists) | 18% |
| Large cuts or wounds | 18% |
| Eye injury | 15% |
| Neck injury | 15% |
| Dislocation | 9% |
Mental health in construction
Not all injuries are visible to the naked eye. Trade jobs often involve high-pressure situations, physically demanding tasks and exposure to potentially dangerous environments, which is a combination that can result in high stress levels and mental strain. This could be why 42% of respondents reported that they experience symptoms of anxiety and stress. Throw in other factors like tight deadlines, long working hours in all weather conditions, financial pressures and worries about job security, and the stresses can start to pile up.
A further 31% of tradespeople state that they have experienced depression because of work. The stigma surrounding mental health in traditionally male-dominated industries like construction may also prevent people from seeking help or discussing their symptoms openly. It’s important for the industry to consider the mental health needs of its workers, and implementing a comprehensive support system - regardless of the size of business - could be beneficial in enhancing overall well-being.
Which trade is struggling with mental health the most?
Mental health can affect any trade – however, out of the 66% of tradespeople who reported they struggle with mental health issues, it was revealed that some trades are more likely to face challenges than others. The data showed that 80% of the plumbers surveyed said they had experienced mental health issues, followed closely by 79% of builders and 72% of both electricians and labourers and 51% of painters and decorators.
The cost of workplace slipups and illnesses
Injuries and illnesses experienced by tradespeople can take a serious financial toll, depending on their severity. This can occur as lost of wages due to either temporary or permanent disability reducing earning potential over the recovery period. There can be physical costs too, including the cost of transport to medical appointments and home modifications, for example.
We looked at data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to see what the costs of illness and injury in the construction industry add up to on a national level. With a combined cost of £1.34 billion attributed to ill health and injuries on the job for the year 2021/22, the financial impact on both individuals and the economy is staggering. It’s not just tradespeople who pay the price of poor safety measures and accidents; healthcare systems and businesses within the sector are hit too.
On a more personal level, the financial ramifications of not being able to work due to work-related illnesses and injuries can be severe. Based on an average day rate of £238*, the potential loss of income is eyewatering. For instance, if a self-employed person had to take a four-month hiatus due to injury, they could face a staggering loss of up to £20,508 loss in earnings. This could have a substantially negative knock-on effect on their financial stability and overall wellbeing.
The most common amount of work time missed per year as a result of illness or injury sits at one week and can still inflict a hefty impact on wages. It totals up to an annual earning loss of £1,192. In today’s economy, a loss of over £1,000 can be significant enough for self-employed people to “work through the pain”, which can lead to worsening symptoms and even more accidents.
There are steps tradespeople can take to mitigate the risks involved with taking time off work due to injury. Rob Rees, Divisional Director here at Markel Direct, says: “Whether you’re working in a domestic setting or a construction site, being a tradesperson comes with occupational hazards – and the financial impact of being unable to work can be significant for the self-employed in the industry. “Taking adequate health and safety precautions is key to staying safe, but it’s important to have a safety net in the event something happens. Arranging insurance cover – such as Occupational Personal Accident Insurance – can help support you financially if you can’t work because of an injury on the job, minimising the impact of lost days on your income.”
Summary
It’s clear that the trade industry faces a plethora of challenges and risks, both physical and mental, that can impact the wellbeing and livelihood of tradespeople. But knowing what the challenges are and addressing them head on can foster a safer working environment. Prioritising comprehensive safety measures and promoting a culture of wellbeing within the industry can help ensure the health and resilience of tradespeople. Additionally, having occupational personal accident insurance, public liability insurance and other types of tradesman insurance in place can provide essential financial protection in the event of accidents or claims. This can provide peace of mind if the worst was to happen.
Methodology
The survey was conducted with Pollfish with 302 tradespeople (in the construction industry and of specific trades) who all had sustained an injury or illness as a result of their jobs. HSE data was collected from the following reports:
- RIDIND - RIDDOR reported fatal and non-fatal injuries in Great Britain by detailed industry
- RIDFATAL – RIDDOR reportable fatal injuries by industry, accident kind, age band and region (.xlsx)
*Average day rate was taken from combining the minimum average day rates of fifteen different trades from Checkatrade