More than two people died every day in work accidents during 2022. The Department of Labor’s data, updated this Monday, adds to the total number of work-related deaths. 826 people all over Spain. Occupational accident rate is increasing, 17.2% in the total number of deaths and raising that record to its highest level since 2008. And it’s not just the number of accidents that go to or from the workplace, but the accident rate has been increasing over the years as there is more economic activity and more busy people.
“These are alarming data, the worst forecasts are coming true, and we have once again surpassed 800 deaths a year,” the UGT director of occupational health laments. Ana Garcia de la Torre. It’s been 12 years since Spain crossed the 800 death mark. “They’re questioning all relevant agents, companies, workers and management,” says Foment’s occupational risk prevention technician. javier noguerol.
total in Spain 631,724 accidents jobs that are classified as workers and result in leave through 2022. The re-opening of some businesses, which were severely restricted after the pandemic started, marks the statistics. For example, the number of requests for sick leave in the hospitality sector increased by 37%. High mobility in hospitals to respond to the pandemic emergency is also evidenced in the data: 47% more accidents sanitary.
Although the increase in the accident rate is flat, fatal accidents are increasing more than others – as a percentage. And the thing is, fatal accidents It grew 17% compared to 11%. light or 2.7% really.
Why this increase in accident rates? They point out that the main leak from the UGT is in prevention, or more specifically its lack. According to their data, one in three accidents resulting in sick leave occur in companies that do not have a protocol or control mechanism, although this is required by law. “Until now, tackling the accident rate has not been and should be a priority for this government. We request the Department of Labor to urgently convene a social dialogue desk to discuss an accident plan,” De la Torre said.
The CCOO agree on this claim. “Ending this situation is not a priority for most companies or public administrations,” reproached Mariano Sanz, the union’s official on the matter. According to Foment, they claim to have carefully analyzed the data to draw firm conclusions from them.
While workplace deaths have increased, the causes of these deaths are not always caused entirely by companies, but the working conditions at these companies also have an impact. Leading cause of death at work heart attack anyone strokes, four out of 10 deaths in the workplace die from these causes. “This increase in fatalities cannot be directly attributed to work and is not related to a lack of prevention measures,” says Foment’s Noguerol. Employers are also pointing to the increase in accidents that occur ‘while traveling’, ie outside company premises, while the employee is on his way to or from work.
According to the sectors, the sectors with the highest increase in fatal accident rate were area, a total of 95 deaths through 2022, 82.7% more than the previous year. Another union where deaths in accidents has increased significantly is structure27.1% more, with a total of 150 deaths.
One of the historical demands of unions to minimize accident rates is the creation of a ‘number’.regional delegateIt exists to ensure that addresses comply with legal minimums for unaffiliated and SMEs, particularly those without a works council or worker representation.