There has been a 10% reduction in warehouse accidents in the UK since 2021, data released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveals.

Global testing and certification specialists Bureau Veritas requested Freedom of Information data from HSE on the number of accidents and the most common types of injuries that occurred in UK warehouses over the last five years.

The data also reveals the most common warehouse accident in 2024-25 was “slips, trips or falls on same level”, with 915 incidents recorded of the 3,450 warehouse accidents that year.

There have been 14,912 warehouse accidents recorded since 2021-22. Sprains and strains were the most common injury recorded, with 1,134 reported in 2024-25 and 4,937 in total since 2021-22. 

In 2024-25, there were also 818 incidents of injury while handling, lifting or carrying, 325 reports of people struck by a moving vehicles and 77 reports of contact with moving machinery.

Associate director - health & safety consultant at Bureau Veritas, Richard Thomas, says: “While it is encouraging to see a 10% reduction in warehouse accidents over the past four years, the data clearly indicates that incidents are still occurring and must remain a key area of focus. 

“Rather than viewing these events retrospectively, it is more valuable to consider how risks are being identified, assessed, and controlled in real time.

“Creating a safe warehouse environment relies on a proactive risk management approach — ensuring clear walkways, maintaining high housekeeping standards, and equipping employees with the competence to recognise and respond to hazards before they escalate. 

“This is particularly relevant given that the most common type of accident remains slips, trips, and falls on the same level.

“Sustained improvement will come from embedding a stronger risk-based mindset, ensuring that control measures are selected, implemented, and reviewed in line with the hierarchy — ultimately driving more effective and resilient safety outcomes.”