Many UK organisations remain more focused on preventing workplace accidents than tackling long-term health risks, despite increasing regulatory pressure from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), according to new research from WorkNest.
The findings suggest a disconnect between health and safety strategy and the evolving nature of workplace risk, particularly as long-term conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, stress and occupational illnesses continue to rise.
While more than half (51%) of organisations claim to give equal attention to accidents and long-term health risks, only 2% said managing long-term health issues is their primary focus. In contrast, 37% continue to prioritise accident and incident prevention above all else.
The research highlights growing concerns around how businesses identify and manage risks that develop gradually over time. Unlike visible incidents such as slips, trips or falls, long-term conditions can be harder to detect, despite often having a greater impact on absence, productivity and employee wellbeing.
The HSE has increasingly shifted its focus toward occupational health risks, including musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory conditions and noise-induced hearing loss. However, WorkNest’s research found significant inconsistencies in how organisations respond.
Although 83% of businesses said they actively manage musculoskeletal issues and 75% address work-related stress, fewer than half formally manage exposure to hazardous substances (49%) or noise-related hearing loss (41%).
Alarmingly, nearly one in 10 organisations admitted they do not formally recognise or manage long-term health risks at all.
The research also identified repetitive strain injuries and posture-related musculoskeletal issues among the most commonly overlooked risks, despite being major contributors to work-related sickness absence.
Industry experts warn that SMEs may be particularly vulnerable, as many lack dedicated health and safety resources or specialist occupational health support.
For employers, the findings reinforce the need for a more preventative approach to workforce health, including updated risk assessments, better ergonomic practices and improved stress management strategies.
As regulatory scrutiny around occupational health continues to increase, organisations that fail to address long-term risks may face not only rising absence levels and reduced productivity, but also greater compliance and reputational challenges in the years ahead.
Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash
