Workplace accidents in Italy

A series of fatal and serious workplace accidents has been reported across various sectors in Italy.

In mid-September, two separate fatalities occurred in the agricultural sector. In Albanella, a 40-year-old worker died following a fall from a warehouse roof, prompting investigations into whether the incident was a workplace accident or a medical emergency. In Partinico, a 74-year-old farmer was killed when his tractor overturned.

By late September, reports emerged of further incidents in the Parma province. A worker died at a quarry in Polesine, while a 34-year-old worker at a glass recycling facility was critically injured after becoming trapped in a machine. Recent fatalities include 51-year-old Pasquale Riillo, who died after being crushed by a hopper at a sand quarry in Polesine Parmense, and 58-year-old carpenter Salvatore Terracina, who was killed by machinery at a construction site in Sant’Arcangelo.

New data from Inail indicates a broader upward trend in occupational hazards, reporting a 7.1% increase in workplace deaths and a 6.3% rise in injury reports between 2023 and 2026. Other recent incidents include a fatal heart attack involving a 63-year-old worker at a cemetery in Bitonto.

In response, labor unions, including CGIL, Cisl, and Uil, have called for increased legislative action, improved safety protocols, and reduced workloads. Union leaders have emphasized the need for stricter controls and better training to prioritize safety over production speed. In Calabria, union leaders have specifically requested the establishment of a regional fund to support the families of workers killed on the job.