Story Highlight
– Retail ranked as one of UK’s riskiest industries.
– 75,000 workplace accidents recorded in retail in 2025.
– Mental health prioritized by over half of organizations.
– Businesses rate safety processes 7.94 out of 10.
– Retail faces pressure to ensure employee safety amid demand.
Full Story
The UK retail sector has been identified as one of the most hazardous industries for workers, as indicated by a recent comprehensive workplace risk assessment. The study, conducted by the health and safety consultancy iHasco, ranks both retail and construction as the joint riskiest sectors for the year 2026, each attaining a significant score of 85 out of a possible 90 in the ‘Risk Index’.
This index is based on a detailed examination of workplace safety statistics drawn from the Health and Safety Executive, coupled with an extensive survey of UK businesses. It evaluates various industries through a range of metrics, including the frequency of workplace accidents, fatal injuries, mental health-related absences, and the level of enforcement actions taken against companies.
In this analysis, manufacturing is placed third with a score of 81, followed closely by the care sector, which scored 76. Interestingly, office-based roles—often perceived as lower-risk environments—slipped into mid-table with a score of just 57.
A significant finding of the report was the alarming frequency of workplace accidents in the retail sector, which alone registered 75,000 incidents in the year 2025. The only sector surpassing retail in this regard was health and social care, where 79,000 workplace incidents were reported. Comparatively, construction saw 47,000 accidents, while the manufacturing industry reported 51,000. These statistics illuminate a growing trend where the risk of injury is heavily concentrated in environments involving direct interaction with customers and intensive physical labour, where employees often engage in manual handling, work at fast paces, and interact directly with the public.
In conjunction with a rising number of physical risks, the analysis revealed a shift in focus among businesses towards the psychological wellbeing of employees. More than half of the organisations surveyed—57 percent—named the enhancement of mental health support and the management of workplace stress as their foremost health and safety priorities for the impending year. Issues related to manual handling, lifting injuries, and overall workplace wellbeing were also highlighted as critical concerns, ranking as the second priority for 31 percent of respondents.
Despite these daunting statistics, many businesses expressed optimism about their health and safety practices. Respondents rated their organisations’ safety measures an average of 7.94 on a scale of 10, indicating a general confidence in existing procedures.
The data detailing the riskiest industries for 2026 is as follows:
– Construction – 85
– Retail – 85
– Manufacturing – 81
– Care – 76
– Office – 57
– Public administration and defence – 53
– Education – 53
– Private sector – 35
– Accommodation and food service activities – 35
This research underscores the mounting challenges that retailers face in reconciling operational demands with the imperative of ensuring employee safety. With stores, warehouses, and fulfilment centres experiencing an upsurge in workload, balancing these competing priorities has never been more crucial.
The findings reflect broader industry trends, where the rapid evolution of consumer habits and the increasing digitalisation of retail operations are pressuring businesses to enhance their efficiency. Yet, this can lead to an oversight of employee safety if not managed effectively. Stakeholders from industry remain acutely aware of this delicate balancing act and have been called upon to address the implications that come from strain on both physical and mental health in the workplace.
Experts are advocating for robust strategies that not only mitigate physical risks but also support mental health initiatives. The integration of comprehensive health and safety policies, alongside regular training and awareness campaigns, is essential in creating a safer work environment in sectors identified as high-risk. This holistic approach addresses the complex nature of modern workplaces, recognising that employee wellbeing is integral to maintaining operational efficiency.
The ongoing discourse in the retail sector emphasises the pressing need for a cultural shift; where prioritising safety is entwined with organisational success rather than being viewed solely as a regulatory requirement. Enhancing employee engagement in safety programmes and fostering an environment where feedback is welcomed can further aid in driving positive changes.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, particularly in a post-pandemic context, the findings from this risk assessment serve as a timely reminder of the importance of prioritising the safety and wellbeing of employees, ensuring that as industry adapts and grows, it does so with care for its workforce.
Our Thoughts
To mitigate the high accident rates in the retail sector highlighted in the article, key measures could have been implemented. Enhanced training in manual handling and risk assessment protocols could better prepare employees for the physical demands of their jobs, addressing the concerning manual handling injuries. Employers must comply with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, which mandate that they assess and reduce the risk of injury from lifting, carrying, and moving loads.
Additionally, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. This includes addressing mental health and workplace stress, as mentioned in the article. Implementing robust mental health support initiatives and stress management programs would align with the emphasis businesses are now placing on employee wellbeing.
Finally, regular safety audits and employee feedback mechanisms are essential to refine safety procedures continually. The perceived confidence ratings in current health and safety processes suggest a potential disconnect between management and on-ground realities, which could be explored to improve overall safety culture and practices.
