The British Safety Council has launched a new UK-wide campaign to raise awareness of the hidden workplace hazards that contribute to illness, injury and death, while calling for stronger action from employers, government and policymakers.
The Hidden Hazards campaign will focus on identifying and preventing less visible occupational risks through research, education and policy development.
Raising awareness of invisible risks
While physical workplace hazards are widely recognised, the campaign highlights the significant impact of less visible risks, including exposure to hazardous substances, excessive noise, poor air quality, work-related stress and fatigue.
The British Safety Council said these hazards can have life changing consequences for workers, their families, employers and the wider economy.
The campaign aims to provide workers with practical information and resources while encouraging employers to strengthen risk management and early intervention.
Long-term programme
Hidden Hazards will examine a different occupational health issue every six months, beginning with silicosis this autumn.
The campaign will then focus on work-related stress, followed by asbestos and workplace air quality.
According to the British Safety Council, diseases linked to silica and asbestos contribute to around 9,000 worker deaths each year in the UK.
Health and Safety Executive figures also show that 964,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety during 2024/25, while poor workplace air quality continues to affect hundreds of thousands of employees.
Research and policy development
The campaign will bring together employers, workers, regulators, policymakers, professional bodies and industry partners to improve workplace health outcomes.
As part of the initiative, the British Safety Council will undertake new research into under explored occupational health issues, including silicosis and the experiences of affected workers.
The findings will be used to develop new guidance and policy recommendations aimed at improving how hidden workplace hazards are managed across the UK.
Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of British Safety Council, said: “A workplace risk doesn’t have to be visible to be serious. Indeed, we know many thousands of lives are lost each year due to dangers that remain unseen.
“Every day, workers are exposed to hidden hazards that can have profound consequences for their health and wellbeing, often with effects that only become apparent years later.
“Our Hidden Hazards campaign is about bringing these risks into the open, raising awareness, and making lasting policy change to prevent harm before it happens.”
