Hospitality faces highest workplace injury rates as costs pressures mount

New government figures show that Britain’s hospitality sector suffers more workplace injuries than any other industry. Experts warn that ill health, crime and staffing challenges are adding to the pressures on the trade.

Accommodation and food service activities, which include hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars and catering, recorded the highest workplace injury rate in 2023/24. Around 44,000 incidents were reported, equal to 2,820 per 100,000 workers — roughly one in 35, according to government figures.

The most common cause was slips, trips and falls, with 1,486 reported incidents. The fast-paced, public-facing nature of the trade means tight spaces, wet floors and high footfall are part of daily operations, increasing the risk of accidents even for experienced staff.

These hazards, often combined with shift work and long hours, mean that businesses must maintain constant vigilance on safety procedures. Investment in staff training, non-slip flooring and well-planned kitchen layouts remain essential measures.

Ill health adds to the burden

While hospitality ranks first for injury rates, it also sees a significant toll from work-related illness. Around 20,000 cases are linked to current or most recent roles in the sector, a rate of 1,140 per 100,000 workers.

Jobs in hospitality can be physically demanding, requiring long periods on foot, manual handling of stock, repetitive movements and, in many cases, irregular schedules that disrupt rest. For some, high-pressure service environments also contribute to stress-related health issues.

Although these rates are lower than in health or education, the combination of illness and injury costs the industry dearly in lost shifts, recruitment costs and reduced productivity.

Crime compounds operating pressures

Home Office data shows hospitality businesses are not only dealing with safety risks from within their premises but also external threats. The transport, accommodation and food category records a crime victimisation rate of 27.1%, with theft and customer aggression the most common issues.

For licensed venues, the threat can be more complex. Incidents of customer abuse or violence place additional strain on teams and can have reputational as well as financial consequences. Ensuring staff feel supported in dealing with difficult situations is becoming a greater focus for responsible operators. Safety commuting to and from work, especially during late-night shifts, which are common in hospitality, is also a cause for concern.

Financial cost of incidents is high

HSE estimates put the annual cost of ill health to British businesses at £14.5 billion, almost double the £7.1 billion for injuries. While sector-specific costs are not separated in the national figures, the high injury rate in hospitality means its share of the burden is significant.

The average injury case costs £11,700, with much of the bill falling on individuals. Across all sectors, injured workers bear around £12.6 billion of the financial and human costs each year, through loss of earnings and reduced quality of life.

For operators, unexpected absences can force temporary closures or reduced service, damaging both revenue and customer trust. Contingency planning is increasingly viewed as a vital part of hospitality management.

Industry labour market under strain

The Office for National Statistics reports that payroll employment has fallen in ten of the past 12 months, with hospitality among the worst affected. Rising wage bills, driven by increased minimum wages and higher national insurance contributions, have made recruitment and retention more difficult.

Job vacancies have now dropped for 37 consecutive periods, reflecting fewer opportunities and, in some cases, a reluctance among employers to replace departing staff. In a sector where service standards rely heavily on trained, motivated teams, these staffing gaps can amplify the risks of accidents and illness.

Public backs equal minimum wage for young hospitality workers

Meanwhile, a YouGov poll shows strong public support for equalising the minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds with that of older workers. The government has asked the Low Pay Commission to produce plans to remove the current £2 per hour gap.

Equalising pay could help hospitality attract and retain younger staff — a demographic heavily represented in bars, restaurants and hotels. With two-thirds of respondents in favour of the change, the move could find broad public backing, although some employers remain cautious about the cost implications.

The case for proactive risk management

The latest injury and illness figures show hospitality faces some of the most acute workplace safety challenges in Britain. The industry’s unique mix of physical demands, public interaction and time pressures means risks cannot be entirely eliminated, but they can be mitigated.

Investment in training, equipment and workplace culture, paired with sound financial planning, can help operators protect both their teams and their bottom line. For an industry already navigating tight margins, regulatory pressures and shifting consumer habits, resilience has never been more important.

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