Almost half of all workplace injuries caused by harmful substances may never be reported, making it difficult to understand risks or implement effective safety measures, says Hughes Safety Showers.
According to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request by Hughes Safety Showers, non-fatal injury data already reveals 740 cases of exposure to harmful substances in 2023/24, including 438 chemical burns, 26 eye injuries and 24 poisonings. But with the HSE estimating that only around half of reportable injuries are ever recorded, the true scale of incidents is likely to be much higher.
James Hamilton, Global Engineering Manager at Hughes Safety Showers, said: “Accurate reporting is the foundation of workplace safety. If injuries aren’t being documented, employers can’t see the full picture, which makes it harder to identify hazards, assess risks, and put the right protections in place. Every incident – no matter how minor it may seem – needs to be recorded to prevent more serious harm in the future.”
Under-reporting not only obscures the severity of workplace risks but also delays the introduction of safety improvements. For example, chemical burns remain the most common type of injury, representing nearly 60% of all harmful substance incidents in 2023/24. Without accurate reporting, the scale of this persistent hazard could be underestimated, leaving workers vulnerable.
Hughes Safety Showers is calling on employers to encourage a culture of openness and accountability in reporting workplace incidents. Improved reporting practices can lead to better training, safer processes and greater investment in protective measures such as compliant safety showers and eyewash stations. Equipment that is essential for reducing the severity of chemical exposure in emergencies.
James said: “The quicker a harmful substance is removed from the skin or eyes, the less damage it can do. Emergency safety showers and eyewash equipment, combined with honest reporting and risk assessments, are vital for protecting workers. Transparency saves lives.”
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