Construction health claims rise, shows data

With the Construction Skills Network forecasting the industry will need an additional 250,000 workers by 2028, experts warn that untreated health issues risk forcing more experienced workers out of the industry at a time when skills are already in short supply. 

The figures highlight a workforce under mounting pressure, with therapies, dental and optical support among the most frequently claimed services. Therapies, including physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture, rose by around 10% year on year, with the value of claims up nearly 20%. Dental claims increased by 3% in volume and 8% in value, while optical claims rose by 2% in volume and more than 7% in value. Together, dental and optical accounted for around three in five claims (59%) and approximately 62% of total claim value, underlining how heavily construction workers rely on employer-backed support for both everyday healthcare and treatments linked to physical strain. 

Nearly two thirds (62%) of manual workers say it has become harder to get health appointments, while one in three reports having no wellbeing support in their workplace, according to a recent Westfield Health survey. This limited access to routine care is consistent with rising demand for therapies and everyday health support through employer-backed plans. 

These findings echo official statistics that underline the scale of the challenge. The Health and Safety Executive reports that more than half (52%) of all work-related ill-health days in construction are caused by musculoskeletal conditions. At the same time, the Chartered Institute of Building’s 2025 report highlights persistent issues with stress, anxiety and depression across the sector. Both musculoskeletal problems and poor mental health are generally preventable with the right support and early intervention yet continue to drive significant absence across the industry. 

Mark Hamson, managing director of Insurance at Westfield Health, said: “Construction firms have a duty of care to protect their people, but there is also a business reality. When workers cannot access timely support, productivity drops, absenteeism rises, and retention suffers. Our data shows strong demand for everyday preventative services that reflect the pressures construction workers face. Investing in workforce health is essential if the industry wants to keep hold of its skilled people.” 

The claims data shows how both the physical intensity of construction work and gaps in access to routine healthcare are driving up demand for employer-backed support.  

Industry leaders argue that companies which prioritise early intervention measures, from physiotherapy and mental health services to affordable dental and optical care, will be best placed to safeguard their workforce and build long-term resilience. 

Westfield Health says the findings underline the role of tailored health benefits in helping firms respond. By helping employees access support early, organisations can promote wellbeing while also encouraging productivity and retention, especially at a time when retaining skilled workers is more crucial than ever.