The UK is facing a "worsening crisis" in women's workplace health, as highlighted in a new report from the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) and the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection. Despite a call to action last year, the updated analysis, titled UK’s Hidden Crisis in Women’s Workplace Health, reveals an alarming increase in work-related illnesses among women that continues to be inadequately addressed.
The latest findings show a sharp rise in health issues for female workers, with the proportion of women affected by work-induced illness growing substantially over the past year. BOHS data reveals that long-term sickness rates for women have now reached nearly 35%, overtaking male rates for the first time. An estimated 1.5 million women are currently off work due to ill health, with over 936,000 cases linked specifically to workplace conditions.
Who Is Most Affected?
Data from the Office for National Statistics’ Labour Force Survey shows that women experience consistently worse outcomes across nearly all exposure categories compared to men. Common issues include musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and mental health challenges, with women aged 35-45 particularly vulnerable.
Are Employers Aware of the Health Risks?
The report also questions whether employers understand and address health concerns specific to women. According to research by The Fawcett Society, a significant proportion of women feel uncomfortable discussing their health at work. Over 40% report that health issues related to gender have negatively impacted their careers, while 60% believe their work environment has worsened their health.
Emerging Cancer Risks and the Impact of Night Shifts
Night-shift work, increasingly common among women, is linked to heightened risks of breast cancer, premature menopause, and miscarriage, with breast cancer remaining the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) highest-predicted workplace cancer risk.
The report also identifies gaps in addressing reproductive health risks, workplace sexual violence, and under-reporting of workplace injuries and illnesses. Calls for improved data collection remain largely unanswered, and current regulations do not account for mental and physical harm from workplace abuse. Updates to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) could help to address these reporting gaps.
A Call for Action
Professor Kevin Bampton, CEO of BOHS, describes the lack of progress as "inexcusable." He emphasises that without a clear strategy for protecting women’s reproductive and workplace health, the UK risks forcing more women out of the workforce and into ill health.
Key Findings from the Report:
Under-Reporting: Work-related illnesses among women are often unreported, contributing to the growing crisis.
Increased Sickness Rates: Long-term sickness is on the rise, with female sick leave rates now higher than those of men.
Disproportionate Exposure: Women face greater risks from workplace exposures, particularly those aged 35-45.
Inadequate Reporting of Sexual Violence: Calls for RIDDOR updates to address the mental and physical impacts of workplace abuse remain unmet.
This report calls for urgent action to protect women’s health in the workplace and address long-standing issues of gender inequity in work-related health risks. Without meaningful progress, the health and well-being of millions of female workers in the UK remain at stake.
Comments