More than half of UK adults have suffered injuries from everyday accidents, many of which carry significant financial consequences if time off work is needed. Yet only a small minority have any form of protection in place, according to new research.
The survey, commissioned by insurer MetLife UK, questioned more than 3,000 adults and found that 56% had been injured in a routine mishap. Tripping or falling was the most common cause, reported by almost one in three, followed by road traffic accidents (22%) and sporting activities such as running, football or horse riding (19%).
The resulting injuries ranged widely in severity. Half of respondents had broken a bone. Concussion affected 21%, 14% experienced loss of mobility in major joints or limbs, 10% suffered slipped disks and 6% had third-degree burns.
Financial Wellbeing Under Pressure
For many, these accidents resulted not only in physical harm but also in significant financial strain. The average cost of time off work and related expenses reached £1,217 per person. One in ten respondents were forced to take a full month of unplanned leave following injury.
Despite this, only 7% of adults said they held personal injury insurance, and a further 7% had accident and sickness cover providing financial support during recovery. In many cases, the absence of comprehensive cover left individuals relying heavily on personal savings, with 13% saying they would have no choice but to draw on these if they were unable to work.
The research brings attention to a growing concern for workplace wellbeing professionals, particularly as absence rates linked to injury continue to feature prominently in sickness data. Even accidents outside work can create extended absences that disrupt teams, increase workloads for colleagues and impact productivity.
Advisers are reporting rising awareness among employees about these everyday risks. Nearly 29% of financial advisers surveyed said their clients are now more conscious of protecting their day-to-day lives against unforeseen accidents and injuries.
For employers, the findings suggest an opportunity to broaden discussions around financial wellbeing support. In addition to traditional health and life insurance benefits, some organisations are looking at accident cover, income protection schemes and flexible sick pay policies as part of a wider strategy to support staff resilience.
Injury Awareness Week 2025
The release of the MetLife UK findings coincides with Injury Awareness Week 2025, which runs from 23 to 29 June. The annual campaign seeks to draw attention to the personal and financial impact of injury and the importance of effective support for those affected.
For employers focused on creating sustainable wellbeing strategies, the data offers a timely reminder that while most injuries may not be life-threatening, their consequences can extend far beyond the initial accident.
Beyond the immediate disruption to individuals, injury-related absence can create knock-on effects across teams and departments, placing additional pressure on colleagues and managers. Longer-term absences may lead to increased recruitment costs, temporary cover arrangements and potential declines in productivity.
For organisations seeking to build resilience, the findings reveal the value of integrating financial protection, proactive absence management and return-to-work support into wider wellbeing frameworks.