Given the soaring heights of their professions, it’s not surprising to know that tree surgeons, roof tilers, and scaffolders are the most at-risk tradespeople in the UK – but new research from online broker Simply Business has discovered more interesting information.

It turns out:

• Fitness instructors are three times more likely to have an accident at work than bricklayers.
• Hairdressers and beauticians are seven times more likely to have an accident than carpenters.
• Dog walkers, kennel owners, and pet parlour workers are three times more likely to have an accident at work than lorry drivers.

The study – which analysed injury and accident claims among over 100,000 tradespeople insured by Simply Business – found that between 2012 and 2016, the total number of accidents had gone up by 41%. There was a decrease in last year’s numbers, though, which could mean more caution has been exercised recently.

Based on accident and injury levels, here are the most dangerous trades:

1. Tree feller/surgeon
2. Roof tiler
3. Scaffolder
4. Builder
5. Roofer
6. Landscape gardeners
7. Plasterer
8. Electrician
9. Bricklayer
10. Plumber
11. Cleaner
12. Carpenter
13. Handyman
14. Floor tiler
15. Painter/decorator

As for location, the top 10 most populous cities were also looked at – with Liverpool, Glasgow, and Manchester ranking high in terms of workplace accidents.

1. Liverpool
2. Glasgow
3. Manchester
4. Birmingham
5. Bradford
6. Edinburgh
7. Leeds
8. London
9. Sheffield
10. Bristol

Simply Business, which was recently acquired by property and casualty insurer The Travelers Companies, serves more than 430,000 microbusiness customers.


Related stories:
Accountants worst drivers in the UK, says auto insurer