Most North American workers say they feel safe on the job, but new research reveals a troubling gap between perception and reality: 46 per cent have experienced workplace accidents or illness either personally or through a family member.
The findings come from a survey of more than 5,700 employees across North America, the UK, Ireland and Nordic countries conducted by workplace safety technology company EcoOnline. In Canada and the United States, 1,000 workers participated in the study between April and May 2025.
While 81 per cent of North American respondents said they feel safe at work, the high rate of accident reports suggests significant safety challenges remain unaddressed in many workplaces.
Stress drives majority of workplace incidents
Stress-related incidents accounted for 54 per cent of all workplace accidents and illnesses reported in the survey. The problem appears more severe in Canada, where 68 per cent of incidents were linked to stress.
The research highlights growing concerns about psychosocial risks in modern workplaces, particularly as traditional physical safety measures may not address mental health challenges.
Chemical exposure creates safety risks
The study found that 44 per cent of workers face chemical exposure on the job, with nearly 40 per cent of those employees saying their companies are not actively working to replace hazardous substances with safer alternatives.
Most workers receive formal chemical training (78 per cent) and have access to safety data sheets (80 per cent), but these resources typically aren’t available through QR codes on mobile devices. The research suggests digital access gaps may increase chemical-related risks.
Lone workers face heightened safety concerns
One-third of North American workers (35 per cent) identify as lone workers, and their safety concerns differ from the general workforce. Only 45 per cent of lone workers strongly agree their employers take their safety seriously, compared to 53 per cent of all North American workers who feel safe.
For lone workers, mental health and fatigue rank as top concerns (48 per cent), followed by environmental hazards and accidents or falls (both at 43 per cent).
Digital tools could improve workplace safety
Seven in 10 employees said they would feel safer with more digital health and safety tools, with support rising to 81 per cent among workers aged 18 to 34. Despite this interest, 41 per cent want to report incidents digitally but many workplaces still rely on manual processes.
The survey found 62 per cent of workers are open to artificial intelligence improving workplace safety, increasing to 70 per cent for younger employees. However, acceptance depends on implementation approaches that support rather than replace human safety processes.
Sustainability concerns grow among workers
Beyond safety, 72 per cent of North American workers said it’s important for their companies to actively reduce environmental impact. However, only 33 per cent said their businesses use recognized environmental, social and governance frameworks, and 24 per cent don’t know what ESG means.
“Today’s workplace experience hinges on the three S’s: Safety, Stress and Sustainability,” said Tom Goodmanson, CEO of EcoOnline. “Supporting employee well-being means going beyond compliance, creating environments that are productive, supportive and safe. With 81 per cent of workers saying they’d consider leaving due to poor conditions, the link between safety, sustainability and job satisfaction is clearer than ever.”
The research was conducted by Origo Group and surveyed workers aged 18 to 65 across multiple regions. EcoOnline, founded in 2000, provides environmental, health and safety technology solutions to more than 10,000 companies worldwide.
