Latest Composites UK report highlights reductions in accidents, improved mental health support and the success of the 2022-25 SIMPLC safety strategy
The UK composites industry has recorded significant improvements in health and safety performance, according to the latest annual Health & Safety Report published by Composites UK.
Knife injuries have historically been a key area of focus for the industry. The report shows sustained reductions in knife-related incidents across all accident categories since 2022, reflecting the impact of Composites UK’s targeted campaign and wider industry engagement.
Manual handling, slips and trips, other cuts, contact with moving machinery and being struck by moving objects remain the most common causes of lost-time accidents. However, accident rates in these areas have generally declined over the period of the 2022–2025 SIMPLC (Safety In Manufacturing of PoLymers and Composites) Strategy.
Since the launch of the SIMPLC Strategy in 2022, the number of working days lost due to accidents has fallen by 45%, demonstrating substantial progress in workplace safety across the sector.
The report also highlights growing attention to employee wellbeing and mental health. More than half (55%) of participating companies now have a stress management policy in place, while 51% have completed workplace stress risk assessments. The proportion of organisations with trained Mental Health First Aiders has increased by 32% since 2022, reaching 43% in 2025.
Commenting on the findings, Composites UK said the results demonstrate the value of industry collaboration, targeted safety campaigns and the sharing of practical guidance and resources through the association’s health and safety programme.
Building on the success of SIMPLC, Composites UK, working with other trade associations, Unions and HSE launched the new SIMPL (Safety in Manufacturing of Polymers) Strategy 2026–2029 in January 2026. The revised programme focuses on three key themes: competence, accident and incident investigation, and mental health and wellbeing, supported by strong leadership, worker engagement and continuous improvement.
An industry-wide online training programme is also being developed to support implementation of the new strategy and provide members with practical tools and resources to improve workplace health, safety and wellbeing.
Composites UK encourages all members to support the new SIMPL initiative, sign the new pledge and play their part in continuing to improve health and safety performance across the UK composites sector.
More information about SIMPL can be found here.
Members can download a copy of the 2025 H&S Report here.