UK Manufacturers Face Rising Fines: Addressing Workplace Health Risks in 2025

The UK’s manufacturing sector is facing a growing challenge: rising fines for failing to adequately address workplace health risks. In 2024/2025, a staggering 1.9 million workers suffered from work-related ill health, costing the UK economy an estimated £14 billion annually. With the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) increasing its focus on proactive inspections and a new ten-year strategy to reduce workplace ill-health, manufacturers must prioritize employee well-being to avoid substantial penalties and potential shutdowns.

The HSE’s Increased Scrutiny: A New Era of Enforcement

The HSE is now focusing more on workplace health as part of routine inspections, in response to a new ten-year strategy to reduce workplace ill-health, which has escalated significantly in recent years. This shift means that inspectors are routinely asking businesses what hazards they are addressing, what controls companies have in place, and what processes are in place to ensure these controls are working. Make UK warns that manufacturers risk facing substantial fines and even potential shutdowns through a failure to address key workplace health issues.

Chris Newson, director of environment, health & safety at Make UK, emphasizes the importance of proactive measures: “This will come up more and more when inspections take place, and companies need to ensure they have sufficient processes in place to maintain workplace health and controls to ensure these processes are working. Failure to do this will leave them at risk of potential prosecution and, in extreme circumstances, shutdowns until the issue is resolved.”

The Rising Tide of Work-Related Ill Health: A Statistical Overview

The latest HSE data reveals a concerning trend:

1.9 million workers suffered from work-related ill health in 2024/25, an increase of 200,000 from the previous year.
Stress, depression, and anxiety accounted for the majority of this increase, rising from 776,000 to 964,000 cases.
30 million working days were lost due to workplace health-related issues.
The economic cost of workplace injuries and new cases of ill health is estimated at £22.9 billion total annual cost of injuries and new cases of ill health, with the majority (£16.4 billion) stemming from ill health.
In 2024, the HSE completed 246 criminal prosecutions, with half related to workplace health, resulting in £33 million in fines.

These statistics paint a clear picture: workplace health is not just a moral imperative but also a significant economic concern. Failing to address these issues can lead to financial losses, reduced productivity, and legal repercussions.

Key Areas of Focus: Addressing the Core Risks

The HSE’s new strategy focuses on six key areas:

Manual Handling: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a significant issue, with 511,000 workers affected and 7.1 million working days lost.
Display Screen Equipment (DSE): With the rise of hybrid and remote work, employers must conduct risk assessments for home-based employees, focusing on ergonomics and screen time.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH): Ensuring proper control and management of hazardous substances to prevent exposure and related illnesses.
Noise: Implementing measures to reduce noise exposure and prevent hearing damage.
Mental Health & Stress: Addressing the growing concern of work-related stress, depression, and anxiety through risk assessments, support programs, and training for managers.
Workplace violence: With 1.1% of workers affected in 2023-24, violence and work-related stress are a heightened focus.

Practical Steps for Manufacturers: Building a Healthier Workplace

To mitigate the risk of rising fines and ensure employee well-being, UK manufacturers should take the following steps:

Conduct Comprehensive Risk Assessments: Regularly assess workplace hazards, including those related to mental health, ergonomics, and exposure to hazardous substances. Partner with health and safety experts to ensure thorough and effective assessments.
Implement Robust Control Measures: Develop and implement control measures to minimize risks in the six key areas identified by the HSE. This may include providing ergonomic equipment, improving ventilation, reducing noise levels, and offering mental health support services.
Provide Adequate Training: Equip employees with the knowledge and tools they need to identify and manage risks. Ensure up-to-date manual handling training, DSE training, and mental health awareness training.
Promote a Culture of Wellbeing: Foster a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health and psychological safety. Encourage open communication, provide flexible working arrangements, and support employee well-being.
Regular Audits and Inspections: Conduct frequent audits and inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Proactive measures can save time, resources, and prevent costly incidents.
Embrace Technology: Utilize digital tools and wearable technology to monitor employee safety in high-risk environments and streamline compliance management.
Review and Update Policies: Regularly review and update health and safety policies to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, and best practices.
Learn from Past Mistakes: Analyze past incidents and near misses to identify areas for improvement and prevent future occurrences.
Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest health and safety regulations, guidance, and enforcement trends.

The Cost of Non-Compliance: A Stark Reminder

The consequences of neglecting workplace health can be severe. In recent years, the HSE has issued hefty fines to companies for health and safety breaches. For example, in November 2025, a stove manufacturer was fined £200,000 after an employee lost a leg due to crush injuries caused by falling metal sheets. In another case, a metal gate manufacturer was fined £80,000 after repeatedly ignoring HSE enforcement notices and exposing workers to serious safety risks.

These cases serve as a stark reminder that failing to prioritize workplace health can lead to significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and, most importantly, harm to employees.

Conclusion: Investing in a Healthier, Safer Future

As the HSE intensifies its focus on workplace health and the cost of non-compliance continues to rise, UK manufacturers must take proactive steps to protect their employees and their businesses. By prioritizing employee well-being, implementing robust control measures, and fostering a culture of safety, manufacturers can mitigate the risk of rising fines and create a healthier, safer, and more productive work environment.

Is your manufacturing business prepared for the increased scrutiny on workplace health risks? What steps are you taking to ensure the well-being of your employees and avoid costly fines?