**Warning over ‘accident crisis’ as number of deaths reaches all-time high**
Accidental deaths in the UK have soared to an unprecedented level, with individuals now at a significantly higher risk of experiencing a serious accident compared to two decades ago. Data released by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has sounded the alarm on what they describe as an “accident crisis” following a 42% increase in accidental deaths nationwide over the past ten years. Every year, over 20,000 individuals lose their lives due to accidents, making it the leading cause of preventable death for individuals under 40. Moreover, more than half of these fatal accidents occur within the confines of one’s home.
The financial burden of accidents is also substantial, costing the UK economy nearly £12 billion annually. This figure includes £6 billion spent on NHS care and an additional £5.9 billion in lost working days. The report highlights the story of Brian Whitnall, a sales manager who found himself in the hospital for six days after accidentally severing two toes with a lawnmower earlier this year. Despite two surgeries, the damage was irreparable, resulting in a prolonged recovery period and significant financial loss due to time off work.
Accident-related hospital admissions for serious injuries have surged by 48% in England alone over the last 20 years, with over 740,000 admissions recorded in 2022/23. Scotland saw a 57% increase in accidental deaths, followed by Northern Ireland at 56%, Wales at 41%, and England at 40% since 2013. Falls accounted for 46% of accidental deaths in 2022, while poisoning and road traffic accidents contributed 26% and 7%, respectively.
The strain on the healthcare system is evident, with over 4.4 million bed days utilised for treating accident-related injuries in England alone, costing an estimated £4.6 billion. Across the UK, accidents resulted in approximately 5.2 million bed days, translating to a cost of £5.4 billion to the NHS annually. A&E visits due to accidents numbered around seven million last year, incurring an additional £613 million in costs for the healthcare system.
The impact on the workforce is also significant, with almost 29 million working days lost to accidents in 2022/23 – a figure ten times higher than those lost to strikes. This loss translates to a £5.9 billion cost for UK businesses. RoSPA has urged the government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to mitigate these alarming trends, emphasising the need to avert preventable deaths and injuries.
Becky Hickman, the Chief Executive of RoSPA, stressed the urgency of addressing the escalating accident rates, stating, “The UK is facing an accident crisis. We are all substantially more likely to suffer a serious accident today than we were 20 years ago.” She underscored that accidents are avoidable and should not be considered inevitable occurrences. The call for action stems from a desire to safeguard lives, revitalise the economy, and alleviate the strain on NHS resources.
In conclusion, the rise in accidental deaths and injuries across the UK paints a grim picture of the current safety landscape. With accidents costing lives, livelihoods, and billions in healthcare expenditure, a concerted effort is needed to prevent further tragedies. Stakeholders, including individuals, businesses, and policymakers, must collaborate to implement robust preventive measures, ensuring a safer environment for all.