The research, conducted by health and safety training provider RRC International, highlights how modern safety roles have evolved beyond traditional compliance and site inspections to prioritise data literacy, risk modelling, and analytical reporting.

The study, which analysed health and safety jobs across platforms Totaljobs and Reed, found that 45% of health and safety roles in the UK demand data-related skills. This means that of the 37,246 open health and safety roles, 16,761 demand digital skills, as well as data analysis and interpretation capabilities.

Richard Stockley, managing director at health and safety training provider RRC International, comments: “The health and safety industry has transformed significantly over recent years. While core safety principles remain critical, employers are increasingly relying on data-driven insights to manage risk, predict hazards, and justify safety investments.

“With nearly half of all advertised health and safety jobs now asking for data capability, the message is clear: data skills are no longer an optional extra – they are becoming a requirement.”

The increased demand comes as previous research from RRC revealed that 15 million UK workers are currently ‘locked out’ of data upskilling. Despite 90% of employees wanting to improve their skills, nearly half are given little to no dedicated time during the working day to learn. As a result, many health and safety professionals risk missing out on viable vacancies because they lack access to training. 

Richard continues: “If UK workers lack the core skills needed to fill the open jobs, we risk missing out on top talent due to a lack of training, or filling roles with under-qualified people. Neither are a good end result. 

“The good news is that this skills gap is entirely closeable. With flexible, practical training options that fit around day-to-day duties, safety professionals can easily gain these vital attributes and take the next big step in their careers.”

Find out how to develop your data analysis skills now.