IOSH
Fixing sick Britain
Getting people back to work through good occupational health and safety
We’ve brought together the UK’s foremost occupational health organisations and experts in this report to set out a clear plan for healthier, more productive workplaces.
1.7 million workers
affected by work-related ill-heath in UK in 2023-24
£150 billion
annual cost to employers
2.8 million people
economically inactive due to long-term sickness
Scale of the problem
Britain’s workforce is facing record levels of ill health and economic inactivity – but the solution is within reach.
Robust occupational safety and health (OSH) and occupational health (OH) are proven to keep people healthy, productive and in work. Yet access remains patchy, especially for small businesses, gig workers and the self‑employed.
Occupational health access gaps
Why a culture shift is needed
Prevention must come before cure. IOSH principles of good occupational safety and health offer a proven framework.
Universal occupational health access can keep people healthy, productive and in work.
Occupational safety and health and occupational health together prevent harm, support recovery and protect wellbeing.
Wider benefits
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Reduce demand
NHS
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Boost output
Economy
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Better health
Workers
“Injury and ill‑health at work is preventable.”
IOSH
- Job role
- Fixing sick Britain report
What UK workers told us
We commissioned YouGov to survey 1,100 workers to find out more about their experiences. Among the key findings were:
- 48 per cent say employers treat mental and physical health equally
- 40 per cent say managers get mental health training
- 70 per cent believe this training should be mandatory
- 62 per cent think small business workers get less support
- 73 per cent want universal occupational health services in local areas
- 75 per cent want self‑referral access to occupational health.
Our recommendations
The report’s roadmap to fixing sick Britain.
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Foundation building
Establish core occupational safety and health frameworks and systems.
- Implement IOSH principles of good occupational safety and health: embed robust occupational safety and health management systems in every workplace.
- Invest in strong occupational health systems: build capacity for prevention, rehabilitation and recovery.
- Build occupational safety and health and occupational health capacity: invest in skills, training and competence.
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Prevention and early intervention
Prioritise preventive and proactive approaches to workplace harm and health.
- Prioritise prevention‑first strategies: use holistic robust risk assessments, early intervention and rehabilitation, with practical strategies.
- Deliver targeted public health programmes: link occupational safety and health and the profession with public health to address risks early, raise awareness on health matters and recognise workplaces as enablers.
- Increase investment in ill-health prevention: expand access to occupational health services.
- Design early intervention strategies: help people stay in or return to work.
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Inclusive support systems
Ensure all workers receive appropriate protection and support.
- Support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs): provide resources for occupational safety and health, occupational health and mental health.
- Improve provision and access for vulnerable workers: include gig, platform workers, informal workers and those in small organisations. This is to ensure proportionate occupational health and safety provision.
- Ensure reasonable adjustments and accommodations: support disabled workers and those with health challenges.
- Address mental health investment and training gaps: equip managers and employees with awareness and training to support wellbeing.
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System-wide change
Build lasting partnerships that work together.
- Promote cross‑government collaboration and policy coherence: align departments and employers on workplace health.
- Incentivise ‘good work’ and safe and healthy environments: prevent risks, accommodate needs, promote health and enhance long-term work ability through all stages of employment.
- Enforce safety and health rights and protections for all.
