DIY Accident Statistics UK: Injury Data and Ladder Safety
Online CPD Academy
https://onlinecpdacademy.co.uk/blog/diy-accident-statistics-uk

DIY injuries are recorded across hospital and accident datasets, where the activity behind an injury is often difficult to identify. Equipment testing provides another view of risk: in a 2025 study of 18 telescopic ladders sold in the UK, 14 failed the safety tests applied.

STATISTICS

Telescopic ladder samples tested: 18
2025 study | UK market
Targeted sample of products bought online and in physical shops.

Samples failing the tests applied: 14 of 18 (78%)
2025 study | UK market
All 14 were purchased through online marketplaces.

Samples passing the tests applied: 4 of 18 (22%)
2025 study | UK market
All four were purchased from physical retailers.

COVERAGE
The numerical table covers a targeted 2025 product-safety study. Hospital evidence explains how DIY activity is recorded; these sources provide no single annual total for all UK DIY injuries.

USING THESE STATISTICS
Please credit Online CPD Academy and link to https://onlinecpdacademy.co.uk/blog/diy-accident-statistics-uk when using these statistics. Retain each figure’s reporting period and coverage.

SOURCES
1. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust — FOI 24205: DIY Injuries
https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/foi-posts/diy-injuries/

2. Ladder Association — Stepping It Up: Telescopic Ladder Surveillance Report
https://ladderassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Stepping-It-Up-Telescopic-Ladder-Surveillance-Report-Version-1-Revision-0-Oct-2025.pdf

3. HSE — How to check your ladder is safe before you use it
https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/how-to-check-ladder-is-safe-before-use.htm

4. HSE — Types of ladder and using them safely
https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/types-of-ladder.htm

5. HM Government — Approved Document P: Electrical safety, dwellings, 2013 edition for England
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a802da7ed915d74e622ceed/BR_PDF_AD_P_2013.pdf