Workplace fatalities rise in Spain and Castilla-La Mancha

Workplace accidents in the Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha have resulted in 47 worker deaths so far in 2026. Official data from January to August recorded 39 fatalities, while an additional eight deaths reported to emergency services are awaiting official statistical confirmation.

Labor unions UGT and CCOO have expressed deep concern over the situation. CCOO regional secretary for Occupational Health, Raquel Payo, described the current mortality rate as ‘insupportable’ and called for stricter preventive measures by companies. While total workplace accidents in the region decreased by approximately 300 compared to the previous year, the severity of fatal incidents has increased.

On a national level, Eurostat data indicates that Spain’s workplace fatality rate is higher than the European Union average. In 2024, Spain recorded 1.89 deaths per 100,000 workers, up from 1.71 the previous year, compared to an EU average of 1.65. Experts note that while Spain’s economic structure—with higher concentrations in mining, construction, and agriculture—contributes to these figures, specific high-risk sectors like mining show significantly higher fatality rates in Spain than the EU average.