Recent findings reveal a significant trend among young people in acquiring health and safety qualifications.
- The number of students under 25 pursuing health and safety courses has notably increased over the past five years.
- A growing number of 26-35 year-olds are also taking health and safety courses, showing a shift in generational priorities.
- Despite the increase in qualified professionals, a skills gap persists, threatening workplace safety.
- The construction industry faces a severe skills shortage, which poses a risk to its future workforce.
Recent findings have indicated a notable increase in the pursuit of health and safety qualifications among young people. The data shows that the proportion of students under 25 studying these courses has consistently grown over the last five years, now making up 6% of the total students at RRC, a significant rise from 1% in 2019.
In addition to the younger demographic, there is a substantial rise in the number of individuals aged 26-35 engaging in health and safety education. This age group now represents almost a third of RRC’s student body, increasing from 21% to 29% over the same period. This shift highlights a broader generational focus on workplace safety standards.
Richard Stockley, Managing Director of RRC, commented on the improvements in UK workplace safety, linking it to increased education in health and safety. He said, “Policy and education have drastically improved the safety of the UK workplace. In the 50 years since the Health and Safety at Work etc Act of 1974, the total number of non-fatal injuries has dropped significantly more or less year-on-year, even in sectors like construction.”
However, Stockley warns of a potential decline in workplace safety for future generations unless the skills gap is addressed. UK industries have been facing a persistent skills shortage, with the construction sector anticipating a shortfall of 225,000 workers by 2027. This shortage presents a significant risk, as it affects both operational roles and supervisory positions where experience and compliance are crucial.
There is an alarming trend in construction safety statistics, with the rate of non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers rising from 185 to 225 between 2020/21 and 2021/22. This increase, the first in nearly two decades, serves as a stark warning of the potential consequences of the skills gap.
Surveys reveal that 77% of young individuals aged 18-24 are reluctant to consider a career in construction, partly due to perceived safety risks. This aversion could exacerbate the existing skills shortage, further endangering workplace safety.
Stockley concludes that while young people are increasingly aware of health and safety issues, the existing skills gap poses continued threats, particularly in high-risk industries like construction. He suggests that ongoing policy and education could ensure safer working environments for Gen Alpha if these challenges are adequately addressed.
The rising awareness and education in health and safety amongst young people are promising, but the skills shortage remains a significant challenge that must be addressed to ensure future workplace safety.
