Every year, thousands of workers suffer serious injuries due to preventable workplace hazards. According to the latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data:

● 134 workers lost their lives in workplace accidents in 2023/24, proving that even with strict regulations, risks remain high.
● Falls from height were the leading cause of fatalities, accounting for 50 deaths. This makes up 36% of all fatal work-related injuries.
● 33.7 million working days were lost due to workplace injuries and illnesses, resulting in significant financial and operational disruption.
● Thousands of non-fatal injuries occur each year, including broken bones, head trauma, and long-term musculoskeletal issues that force employees out of work.

UK health and safety law requires all employers, regardless of size, to ensure a safe working
environment. However, once you hire your fifth employee, additional legal obligations come
into effect.
According to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, businesses with five or more
employees must:

● Have a written health and safety policy outlining how risks are managed.
● Conduct and document formal risk assessments to identify and mitigate workplace
hazards.
● Keep records of health and safety procedures and regularly update them.
Before hitting this milestone, businesses still need to follow health and safety laws, but there
is no formal requirement for written policies and risk assessments. This often leads smaller
companies to delay compliance preparation—only to find themselves rushed and
unprepared when they suddenly expand.