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Injury analysis - kinds of accident

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From RIDDOR statistics, the most common kinds of fatal injury to workers in recent years have been falling from a height, being struck by a moving vehicle and being struck by a moving or falling object. In 2007/08, these three kinds of accident combined accounted for over half of all fatal injuries to workers.

Figure 1: Number of fatal injuries to workers by most frequent kind of accident 1996/97 - 2007/08p

Figure 1: Number of fatal injuries to workers by most frequent kind of accident 1996/97 - 2007/08p

The number of major injuries to employees occurring as a result of slipping and tripping has remained largely unchanged between 2004/05 and 2007/08. Slipping and tripping remains the most common kind of major injury, accounting for 39% of all major injuries.

Figure 2: Number of major injuries to employees by most frequent kind of accident 1996/97 to 2007/08p

Figure 2: Number of major injuries to employees by most frequent kind of accident 1996/97 to 2007/08p

The number of over-3-day injuries to employees sustained while handling, lifting or carrying decreased by 6.5% in 2007/08 from 47 000 to 44 000. However, this is still the most common kind of over-3-day injury accounting for 40% of all such injuries in 2007/08. The number of over-3-day injuries as a result of slipping and tripping fell by 3% over the latest year. 

Figure 3: Over 3 day injuries to employees by most frequent kind of accident 1996/97 to 2007/08p

Figure 3: Over 3 day injuries to employees by most frequent kind of accident 1996/97 to 2007/08p

Other data on kinds of accidents