The Biggest Concerns In The Trades Industry 2026
What’s keeping tradespeople up at night? From rising costs and tool theft to mental health and injury, our 2026 customer survey reveals the real pressures facing today’s tradespeople.
The top accidents to watch out for on-site
According to figures released by the UK Health and Safety Executive, a variety of accidents and work-related injuries were recorded in the construction industry during 2021.
Rhino is here to offer protection against accidents and injuries on-site and highlight some of the leading proponents and what to look out for when working your trade.
Defining Work-related injuries
Work-related injuries are defined as avoidable accidents that happen on-site and result in an injury to the tradesperson.
In 2021 alone, there were 59,000 cases of accidents in the trades. Some needed time off, and others didn't.
To avoid any worry or doubt, Rhino Trade Insurance offers Personal Accident Insurance that protects you in the event of an accident that keeps you off the tools. Making sure you are financially covered makes business sense, and this cover grants you a lump sum payment to protect your business costs and salary.
Defining work-related ill health
Work-related ill health is defined differently from work-related injuries. These are illnesses down to the work you do, not an accident. 78,000 construction workers reported suffering from work-related ill health in 2021. A staggering 53% was down to musculoskeletal disorders, which is significantly higher than all other industries. This includes:
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Bone pain
- Muscle pain
Tradespeople needing time off
People have accidents and get ill in the trades. It's only natural with the risks posed by the work you do. However, some accidents have consequences, such as needing time off, and for those who are self-employed, that can hit you straight in the back pocket.
Of the 59,000 tradespeople who suffered a non-fatal injury in 2021, 39% needed three or more days off work. That equates to just over 23,000 people. Similarly, 26% required seven or more days off the tools (which is just over 15,000 people).
It's worth pointing out that Rhino's Personal Accident Insurance also covers you even if you pick up an injury outside work. Play five-a-side once a week or rugby at the weekends? Our insurance covers you for injuries and bumps which keep you off work.
The most common accidents on-site
There is a running theme regarding accidents on-site and the injuries they cause. The top areas that people suffered from an accident included:
- Slips, trips and falls.
- Falls from height.
- Injury caused whilst lifting or carrying.
- Being hit by a moving or flying object.
Why Choose Rhino Trade Insurance?
As a self-employed tradesman or woman in the UK, your best course of action is to have a fully comprehensive piece of insurance to protect you on a rainy day.
Rhino Trade Insurance excellent Public Liability Insurance tailored to individual trades, which you can then build upon with extra pieces of cover for your tools, accidents and more.
Please find out more by calling our lovely UK team on 0116 243 7904 or get a quick and easy quote here.
