EU occupational fatalities rise to 3,367 in 2024

Data from Eurostat indicates that 3,367 fatal occupational accidents occurred in the European Union in 2024, representing a 1.4% increase compared to the previous year. While non-fatal accidents decreased by 1.5% to 2.78 million, the rise in fatalities has raised concerns regarding workplace safety and prevention measures.

In Spain, the situation shows a notable divergence: although the total number of occupational accidents fell by 1.43% to 1,200,102, fatal accidents increased by 8.5%. A total of 830 people died due to work-related incidents in Spain, which is 65 more than in 2023. Of these Spanish fatalities, 677 occurred during the workday and 153 were commuting accidents.

Across the EU, the construction sector recorded the highest number of fatal accidents with 776 deaths, followed by transport and storage with 537, and manufacturing with 466.