Workplace fatalities remain a significant global challenge. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), work-related accidents and diseases claim around 2.6 million lives annually.
2.6 million deaths annually from work accidents and diseases
Out of these 2.6 million deaths:
- 330,000 are due to workplace accidents.
- The remaining fatalities result from work-related diseases.
The ILO also reports a 5% increase in work-related deaths since 2015, highlighting a worrying trend.
Nearly two fatal workplace accidents per day in Spain
In 2023, Spain recorded 616 workplace fatalities, according to the Ministry of Labour. While this represents a 14% decrease compared to 2022, it remains a serious concern.
Leading causes of death in Spain
- Heart attacks and strokes: 270
- Falls: 97
- Traffic accidents: 93
- Entrapments and amputations: 92
Monthly and daily averages
- Around 52 fatalities per month.
- Nearly two fatal accidents every day.
Workplace fatalities in Europe
In 2022, there were 3,286 workplace fatalities across Europe, according to Eurostat.
Construction: the deadliest sector in Spain
In Spain, the construction sector experienced the highest number of workplace fatalities, with 138 deaths in 2023. Other high-risk sectors include:
- Transport and Storage: 123 deaths
- Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing: 77 deaths
- Manufacturing Industry: 74 deaths
Rise in severe workplace accidents
Severe accidents are also on the rise, with 3,921 serious incidents reported in 2023 in Spain. This equates to:
- An average of 330 severe accidents per month.
- Over 10 serious accidents daily.
The year-over-year increase in workplace accidents highlights the urgent need for action. Emphasizing and modernizing occupational health and safety (OHS) training could play a critical role in reducing these numbers.
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