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Occupational Health

A Guide to Common Work-Related Health Risks in the UK

Understanding Work-Related Health Risks in the UK Workplace

As a UK employer, you hold a legal responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of your employees. This duty includes managing work-related health risks that arise from workplace activities. When employers fail to control these risks effectively, employee wellbeing often suffers. Over time, productivity may decline and business performance can also be affected.

Importantly, many work-related health conditions develop gradually rather than suddenly. For this reason, early identification and proactive prevention play a critical role in protecting workers.

What are work-related health risks?

Work-related health risks refer to workplace hazards that can cause illness, injury or long-term health conditions. These risks may result from physical, chemical, ergonomic or psychosocial factors. In many roles, exposure builds up over time rather than occurring during a single incident.

As a result, employers must assess, monitor and control these risks continuously rather than treating them as one-off concerns.

Common work-related health risks in the UK

Across many UK industries, employers regularly identify several common workplace health risks. These risks include the following.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

MSDs represent the most common work-related health condition in the UK. Employers often link these conditions to repetitive movements, awkward or sustained postures and manual handling tasks. Consequently, MSDs frequently lead to pain, reduced mobility and prolonged absence from work.

Work-related stress

Work-related stress is a growing concern in the UK. The number of UK adults who say they are stressed every day has increased by 57%, from 7% to 11%, since a similar 2021 survey commissioned by Ciphr, which suggests that we’re getting stressed more often. Women are more likely to say they feel stressed every day (14%, compared to 9% of men) Factors contributing to stress include:

Work-related stress continues to pose a significant challenge for UK employers. Employers often see stress develop because of excessive workloads, long working hours, unclear roles or limited control over work. Over time, unmanaged stress can affect both mental and physical health.

Slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips and falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injury. These incidents often result from poor housekeeping, uneven surfaces, spillages or inadequate lighting. However, employers can prevent many of these incidents by introducing effective control measures.

Exposure to harmful substances

In certain industries, workers may come into contact with hazardous substances such as chemicals, dusts or fibres. If employers do not manage these risks properly, exposure can lead to respiratory conditions, skin disorders or long-term illness.

Noise exposure

Excessive workplace noise can damage hearing and may also contribute to stress-related conditions such as tinnitus. Importantly, once hearing damage occurs, it cannot usually be reversed. Therefore, prevention remains essential.

Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs)

WRULDs form a specific type of MSD affecting the hands, arms and shoulders. These conditions commonly develop because of repetitive tasks, forceful movements or poorly designed workstations.

Violence and aggression

In some workplaces, particularly public-facing environments, employees may experience violence or aggression. These incidents can cause both physical injuries and lasting psychological harm.

Preventing work-related health risks

Employers can reduce work-related health risks by taking a structured and proactive approach. In most cases, prevention works best when organisations embed health and safety into everyday operations.

Risk assessment

Employers should identify workplace hazards through regular risk assessments. Once hazards are identified, employers can evaluate and prioritise the level of risk they pose.

Control measures

After identifying risks, employers should introduce suitable control measures. These controls may involve removing hazards entirely or reducing exposure through safer systems of work.

Training and information

Employers should provide employees with clear information and training. As a result, employees understand workplace risks and follow safe working practices consistently.

Monitoring and review

Employers should review health and safety arrangements regularly. This ongoing review helps organisations identify new or emerging risks and address them promptly.

Musculoskeletal disorders: a persistent challenge

MSDs, including back pain, tendon disorders and nerve compression conditions, account for a large proportion of work-related ill health in the UK.

Several factors contribute to MSDs. These factors often include poorly designed workstations, repetitive tasks and prolonged static postures. In addition, vibration exposure, particularly in construction and manufacturing roles, can increase risk.

Prevention approaches

Employers can reduce the likelihood of MSDs by carrying out ergonomic assessments and reviewing job tasks. Furthermore, job rotation and task variation help limit repetitive strain. Training on posture, manual handling and regular breaks also supports prevention. Where necessary, employers may provide personal protective equipment as an additional control.

Work-related stress: a growing concern

Work-related stress continues to rise across the UK workforce. Research shows that the proportion of adults who report feeling stressed every day has increased significantly in recent years. Women, in particular, report higher daily stress levels than men.

Several factors contribute to stress at work. These factors include excessive demands, limited autonomy and poor communication. If employers fail to address these issues, stress can lead to burnout, reduced engagement and increased sickness absence.

Prevention approaches

Employers can reduce stress risks by encouraging open communication and clarifying expectations. In addition, flexible working arrangements and access to stress management resources help employees manage demands more effectively.

Exposure to harmful substances

Workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing and healthcare may face exposure to hazardous substances. In many cases, health effects develop slowly, which makes early identification especially important.

Prevention approaches

Employers should carry out regular risk assessments to identify potential exposures. They should also maintain adequate ventilation and provide suitable personal protective equipment where required. In addition, health monitoring supports early detection of exposure-related conditions.

Noise-induced hearing loss

Noise-induced hearing loss remains a common occupational health issue in noisy environments. Because hearing damage is often permanent, employers must prioritise preventative action.

Prevention approaches

Employers should assess workplace noise levels and control exposure wherever possible. When noise cannot be reduced sufficiently, employers should provide appropriate hearing protection. Furthermore, hearing conservation programmes help raise awareness and support long-term protection.

Creating a healthier workplace

Addressing work-related health risks plays a vital role in creating a safe, healthy and productive workplace. By implementing effective prevention measures, employers can protect employee wellbeing and reduce health-related risks. In turn, this approach supports improved attendance, stronger performance and long-term organisational resilience.

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