Workplace fatalities: data from Spain, Europe and worldwide

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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