Construction workers’ health cash plan claims rose 6% over the past year, according to new figures from Westfield Health.
With the Construction Skills Network forecasting the need for an additional 250,000 workers by 2028, experts warn that untreated health issues could force experienced employees out of the sector amid an existing skills shortage.
The data highlights mounting pressure on the workforce, with therapies, dental, and optical services among the most frequently claimed.
Nearly two-thirds (62%) of manual workers report it has become harder to get health appointments, while one in three say they have no wellbeing support at work. Therapies, including physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, and acupuncture, accounted for around three in ten claims, rising 10% year on year, with claim values up almost 20%.
Official statistics
Dental claims increased 3% in volume and 8% in value, while optical claims rose 2% in volume and 7% in value. Together, dental and optical claims represented 59% of claims and 62% of total value, showing how much construction workers rely on employer-backed support for both routine healthcare and treatments linked to physical strain.
Official statistics underline the scale of the challenge. The Health and Safety Executive reports that more than half (52%) of work-related ill-health days in construction are caused by musculoskeletal conditions, while the Chartered Institute of Building’s 2025 report highlights persistent stress, anxiety, and depression. Both musculoskeletal and mental health issues are largely preventable with early intervention, yet continue to drive 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.”
Westfield Health says tailored health benefits help employees access support early, promoting wellbeing while boosting productivity and retention, crucial at a time when keeping skilled workers is more important than ever.
