EcoOnline Report Finds Workplace Safety Key to Productivity, but Rising Risks Threaten Retention and Growth
London — New research from EcoOnline highlights a growing link between workplace safety and business performance, as organizations across the UK face mounting operational risks that could undermine productivity and employee retention.
Released to coincide with World Day for Safety and Health at Work, EcoOnline’s annual Workplace Safety Report—based on a survey of 1,300 workers across the UK and Ireland—reveals that 90% of employees believe a safer workplace directly improves productivity, while 79% would consider leaving a role due to unsafe conditions.
The findings come as UK productivity remains under pressure, with output per hour declining year over year, underscoring the growing importance of safety as a driver of organizational performance.
Expanding Risk Landscape Challenges Employers
The report indicates that workplace risks are no longer limited to traditional safety hazards but are becoming broader and more complex:
- 30% of lone workers reported experiencing an accident in 2025
- Confidence in employer safety responsibility declined from 68% to 62%
- Stress is a key factor, cited by 61% of those affected by workplace incidents
- 44% of employees now handle chemicals at work, while progress in reducing hazardous exposure remains stagnant
- Only 30% of workers say they fully understand their organization’s crisis response plan
Employees also identified a widening range of threats to business continuity:
- Cyberattacks or data breaches (42%)
- Serious workplace injuries (27%)
- Fire and evacuation risks (23%)
- Physical security threats (23%)
These findings reflect a shift toward a more integrated view of workplace safety—one that encompasses physical, digital, and psychological risks.
Technology Adoption Growing, but Human Expertise Remains Critical
Digital tools are increasingly viewed as part of the solution. The report shows 72% of workers believe enhanced digital EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) tools would improve workplace safety, up from the previous year.
However, sentiment around AI remains measured:
- 47% believe AI can enhance safety outcomes
- Workers continue to prioritize human-led initiatives, including:
- More safety-focused staff (38%)
- Expanded training programs (37%)
This suggests organizations must balance technology adoption with investment in human expertise to achieve meaningful safety improvements.
Safety as a Strategic Business Driver
“Safe workers are productive workers,” said Tom Goodmanson, CEO of EcoOnline. “When employees trust safety processes, they can focus on their work instead of managing risk. Technology plays a key role by improving visibility and decision-making, but it must complement human expertise.”
The report emphasizes that organizations treating safety as a core component of operational strategy—rather than a compliance requirement—are better positioned to sustain productivity and resilience.
Implications for Employers
As workplace risks evolve, the findings highlight the need for a more holistic approach to safety—integrating physical, mental, and digital risk management into business strategy.
Companies that invest in both advanced safety technologies and workforce training are likely to see gains not only in employee well-being but also in productivity, retention, and long-term growth.
With safety increasingly tied to performance outcomes, the report signals a shift in how organizations must approach workforce protection in an era of rising complexity and operational pressure.
