Safety at work: some data

Analysing the accident data made available by the INAIL and analysed by Vega Engineering on the first quarter of 2024 in Italy, we see that poor safety in the workplace is still a problem that costs the lives or health of many, too many, workers.

La sicurezza sul lavoro è un tema cruciale per la salute e il benessere dei lavoratori. I dati raccolti nel primo trimestre del 2024 forniscono un quadro dettagliato della situazione in Italia, evidenziando tendenze preoccupanti e aree che necessitano di attenzione immediata.

Increase in accident reports and occupational diseases

Compared to January 2023, January 2024 recorded a increase in accident reports, both overall and fatal, as well as a significant increase in occupational diseases. From January to March 2024, there were 191 work-related fatalities in Italy, of which 151 occurred during work and 40 in transit. Although the total number of accident reports decreased by 2.6% compared to the same period in 2023, fatal accidents at work increased by 2.0% (148 deaths in January-March 2023 compared to 151 in the same period in 2024).

Most Affected Sectors

The construction sector continues to be the hardest hit, with 25 work-related deaths in March 2024. It is followed by manufacturing (19 deaths), transport and storage (13 deaths), and trade (10 deaths). The largest number of total claims came from manufacturing (16,371), followed by health (7,701), construction (7,627), transport and storage (6,986), and trade (6,943).

Gender, nationality and age differences

As of March 2024, there were 52,915 accident reports from women workers and 92,215 from men workers. Reports of accidents at work, excluding commuting accidents, totalled 124,319: 42,449 women and 81,870 men.

There were 100,440 complaints from Italians and 23,879 from foreigners. The number of foreigners who died at work from January to March 2024 was 37 out of a total of 151, with a risk of death at work almost three times higher than that of Italians (15.6 deaths per million employed, compared to 5.4 for Italians).

The age group most affected by accidents, both at work and commuting, is the 45 to 54 years age group, with 31,114 reports (21.4% of the total). The fatal accidents at work mostly affect the 55 to 64 years age group (54 out of a total of 151).

Occupational Diseases

Occupational diseases, defined as 'any morbid condition that can be causally linked to the performance of any work activity', have increased significantly. In January 2024, there were 6,218 occupational disease reports registered by Inail, a 30.7% increase compared to January 2023. The increase is significant compared to previous years, signalling continued growth.

Diseases of the osteo-muscular system and connective tissue, nervous system and ear are the most frequently reported, followed by cancers and respiratory system diseases. These data indicate the need to monitor and prevent these specific occupational diseases.

Comparison with other European countries

Comparing Italian figures with those of other European countries is complex because of differences in the timing of data consolidation. However, according to Eurostat, France has the highest number of work-related fatalities in relation to its population,
while Italy ranks 12th and Germany 25th with a very low number of fatalities.

image source: skytg24

The figures for the first quarter of 2024 underline the importance of safety at work and the need for targeted interventions to reduce occupational injuries and illnesses. It is essential that prevention and control policies are strengthened, especially in the sectors and sections of the population most affected. Occupational safety must remain a top priority to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all workers.

Download the Inail report

Learn more about safety at work by consulting our safety guide. Inside you will find detailed information on the risks and solutions available, as well as safety factors specific to the various industrial and healthcare sectors.

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