Stress tops workplace risks for UK & Ireland, study finds
New research shows that 44% of UK and Ireland workers have either experienced or know someone who has experienced a workplace accident or work-related illness, with stress cited as the leading cause.
Stress and workplace safety
According to findings published by EcoOnline, 64% of workers in the UK and Ireland report that stress affects them at work, a figure notably higher than the global average of 59% and the North American average of 54%. Despite 82% of employees perceiving their workplace as safe, the substantial incidence of stress-related cases highlights substantial challenges.
The survey, conducted with over 5,700 employees globally and 1,000 in the UK and Ireland, suggests urgent gaps remain regarding both workplace safety and employee wellbeing. The data reveals that nearly half of workers in the region are still encountering incidents, predominantly tied to stress - a rate that stands out both locally and internationally.
Chemical exposure and safety measures
Hazardous chemicals continue to present risks: 42% of surveyed UK and Ireland employees reported exposure, while 37% of these indicated their company is not actively taking steps to substitute such materials. While chemical handling training is widespread (83%) and three-quarters (75%) have access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS), digital access remains inconsistent. 40% of employees say they do not have access to QR codes for SDS, and 36% report no digital chemical management system, suggesting areas where organisations may need to improve safety infrastructure and adopt new technologies.
Lone working and mental health
Roughly 35% of workers in the UK and Ireland are classified as lone workers, with a range of psychosocial hazards prevalent among this group. Fatigue is the top concern (48%), followed by stress and mental health issues (43%), and threats of aggression (42%). Within the UK, 44% of lone workers identified aggression or assault as a notable worry, whereas in Ireland, accidents and falls are the second largest concern at 46%.
Although 68% of lone workers believe their employers take safety seriously, only 41% strongly agree - a considerable drop from the 53% of all employees who strongly agree their workplace is safe. This disparity points toward a need for targeted efforts focused on the well-being of isolated or remote employees, who may face specific risks not always captured in general safety protocols.
Digital tools and AI perspectives
Interest in digital safety solutions is strong, with 67% of all employees - and 82% of those aged 18 to 34 - reporting they would feel safer with increased access to digital health and safety tools. E-learning for training is widely used (86%), but many workers expressed a desire for further digitisation, particularly in incident reporting: 48% want digital systems, but they remain reliant on manual options in many cases.
The introduction of artificial intelligence tools is met with cautious optimism; just 20% believe AI will "definitely improve" safety, but 65% are open to the idea. For younger employees, this figure rises to 78%. Respondents indicated that trust in AI would depend on implementation, and the greatest opportunity lies in augmenting rather than replacing human-led safety protocols. Examples suggested include predictive alerts and virtual assistants.
Sustainability and awareness gaps
Sustainability also emerged as a significant workplace concern. 76% of workers regard environmental responsibility as important, and 54% observed that their employer increased focus on sustainability during 2024. However, only 34% noted that their workplace uses a recognised Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework, while 29% admitted they do not know what ESG is. These findings indicate a potential gap between stated ambitions and concrete understanding or execution among organisations and their employees.
"Today's workplace experience hinges on the three S's: Safety, Stress and Sustainability. Supporting employee wellbeing means going beyond compliance – creating environments that are productive, supportive, and safe. With 82% of workers saying they'd consider leaving due to poor conditions, the link between safety, sustainability and job satisfaction is clearer than ever. Embracing technology to tackle psychosocial risks and make tangible sustainability commitments will be essential to keeping people protected and engaged."
The EcoOnline research was carried out by Origo Group and includes responses from 1,038 UK and Ireland employees drawn from a global panel, with separate analyses for each region and additional comparative insight from North America and the Nordics.
