Cantabria reports highest workplace fatalities in 19 years

Workplace accidents in Cantabria, Spain, have reached significant highs during the first nine months of 2026. According to data from the Cantabrian Institute for Safety and Health at Work (ICASST), 14 workers have died due to occupational accidents so far this year, marking the highest figure for this period since records began in 2008.

In September alone, five fatalities were recorded, including four during work shifts and one 'in itinere' (during travel to or from work). Labor unions CCOO and UGT have expressed grave concern, calling for urgent improvements in risk prevention management. CCOO noted that September was the worst month for accidents involving medical leave since 2009, with 627 such incidents recorded.

Sector-specific data indicates that manufacturing led in accidents involving medical leave, accounting for 20.50% of the total. Other significant sectors included construction and healthcare/social services. Overall, accidents involving medical leave have increased by 5.3% compared to the same period in 2025, totaling 5,504 incidents.