10 common self-employed accidents and injuries to watch for

Running your own business means taking responsibility for everything, including your own safety.

While you might not have a health and safety department backing you up, it’s still worth knowing the most common workplace injuries and how to avoid them.

Whether you work from a van, a workshop, or a home office, here are ten mishaps that can trip you up (sometimes literally).

1. Slips, trips and falls

Even everyday jobs can involve a bit of climbing up a ladder to fix something, reaching stock in a garage, or just stepping into a van.

A fall from even a small height can leave you out of action.

It’s worth checking ladders, work platforms, or floor surfaces regularly to avoid an avoidable accident. Keep your work area tidy and don’t rush when you’re off the ground.

2. Muscle strains

Back and shoulder injuries are easy to pick up when you’re self-employed, especially if you’re lifting gear in and out of vans, hauling stock, or working on your feet all day.

Bad posture and heavy lifting catch up with you fast. Even simple kit like trolleys or proper footwear can take the strain off. HSE’s lifting and handling advice has some helpful, practical tips.

3. Being hit by falling objects

It’s not just warehouse workers who get caught out by this.

Anyone working in a tight or temporary space can get hurt by items falling off shelves, makeshift storage, or tools left unsecured.

Store things properly and avoid balancing gear where it could slip or roll.

4. Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Spending hours on a laptop or phone might not seem risky, but it can wreak havoc on your hands, wrists, and neck over time.

RSI affects all sorts of people – writers, coders, designers, even delivery drivers.

Mix up your tasks, take regular breaks, and consider getting an ergonomic kit if you’re desk-based.

5. Collisions and crashes

If you drive for work – whether it’s a car, van or motorbike – you’re at risk of accidents, especially when you’re tired, stressed, or checking maps between jobs.

Don’t skip seatbelts, regular breaks, or insurance. Vehicle downtime can be costly when you’re your only employee.

6. Cuts and lacerations

From utility knives to packaging machines to slipping with scissors – sharp tools and rushing don’t mix.

If your work involves handling equipment, take your time and use gloves or guards where needed. Even paper cuts can be nasty if you’re constantly handling mail or stock.

7. Inhaling fumes or dust

You don’t have to be dealing with harsh chemicals to affect your health. Sanding wood, spraying paint, or using strong glue in a poorly ventilated space can easily irritate your lungs and eyes.

Do it regularly without the right protection, and the risks build up over time – especially in a small workshop or van setup.

A decent mask and eye protection are easy wins. For anything more hazardous, check out the HSE’s COSHH guide for practical advice.

8. Exposure to loud noise

Noise-related hearing damage isn’t just a thing of the past. If you’re regularly using drills, grinders, or working around engines, your ears are under pressure – even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.

You might think you’ll be fine doing the odd loud job without protection, but hearing loss creeps up.

It’s a small step to wear earplugs or defenders – and the HSE’s noise at work guide is worth a look if you’re exposed to loud tools often.

9. Walking into things

It sounds silly, but knocking into sharp corners or leaving drawers open can cause real injuries – especially if you’re working in a cramped space or rushing to get things done.

Tiredness and clutter don’t mix well.

Take a few seconds to keep walkways clear and close cupboards behind you – it’s boring, but it works.

10. Fights and flare-ups

Physical arguments at work are rare, but they do happen – especially where money, deadlines, or long hours are involved.

Tensions can rise quickly on site, in shared studios, or even during a client dispute.

If a situation feels like it’s heading in the wrong direction, don’t try to win the argument. Step back, calm it down, and walk away if needed. Your safety comes first.

A note on insurance

Even if you work alone, you may still need certain types of cover. Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement if you hire anyone, even part-time or casually (see Gov.uk guidance).

And while public liability insurance isn’t mandatory, it’s often a wise move if you deal with customers in person or work on-site.

One accident could leave you personally responsible for injury or damage, and the cost could be significant.