In Alicante, the rise in work-related accidents continues to cut a painful figure, leaving behind a trail of loss. Last year alone saw at least 35 fatal crashes, six of them occurring on the way to or from work. That figure is nearly three times higher than the previous year and stands as the highest annual toll since 2008. The rebound in business activity after the pandemic appears to be a contributing factor, and both employers and unions agree that a comprehensive shock plan is needed—one that integrates economic, social, and administrative measures.
New data from the Valencia Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (Invassat) shows that Alicante recorded 18,690 occupational accidents last year. Of these, 16,028 occurred during the working day and 2,662 involved trips to or from work. This marks a 5.5% increase from 2021, which reported 15,019 incidents on working days and 2,266 during commutes. The most troubling trend remains the fatal category, which tripled from the previous year, with 29 deaths in total, 14 in the service sector, eight in construction, four in industry, and three in agriculture. Among the six commuting fatalities, five occurred in services and one in construction.
The sharp rise has prompted alarm bells across the region. It is necessary to look back to 2008, when 37 fatal accidents were recorded at the onset of the Great Recession. At that time, 27 deaths happened during the working day—14 in services, 10 in construction, and three in industry. Commuting fatalities totaled five in services, four in industry, and one in construction. Comparisons show that while the Valencian Community overall did not experience the same dramatic spike, the total deaths last year rose by about 34 percent, from 70 to 94.
These escalations have triggered urgent discussions among unions and employers. The consensus is clear: action is required to prevent further losses. Jaume Mayor, the Occupational Health Secretary for CC OO-PV, described the rising accident rate as deeply troubling. The data underline the need for immediate corrective measures and ongoing improvements that reflect the diverse realities of different companies and workers.
CEV commits to a regional accident‑prevention plan
Yaissel Sánchez, the UGT secretary for l’Alacantí-Les Marines, has repeatedly called for full adherence to occupational risk prevention plans within companies and for the establishment of a mobile prevention delegate role that can support smaller firms.
Salvador Navarro, president of the Valencian Community Business Confederation (CEV), is pushing for a regional shock plan that comes with sufficient resources and concrete measures to drive down the accident rate.
Provincial leadership is also taking steps. The Consell is advancing an occupational health and safety strategy, while the Generalitat, working in collaboration with unions and employers, is crafting a Valencia-wide plan for occupational safety, health, and well‑being. The strategy aims to be implemented from this year through 2028, with a people-centered approach that prioritizes preventive activities and better working conditions across the Valencian Community. The document is being developed in alignment with the European strategy approved last year and the current national strategy, with adaptations to the regional labor market’s characteristics.
The overarching goal is to create safer workplaces through coordinated regional action, better risk assessment, targeted training, and improved monitoring mechanisms. By prioritizing prevention and well-being, authorities aim to reduce both accidents and occupational diseases and to support a workforce that can contribute to a stronger economy without sacrificing safety.
In this climate, social partners emphasize the need for robust resources, practical enforcement, and ongoing evaluation. The path forward rests on shared commitments—between government bodies, employers, and workers—to translate strategic plans into measurable improvements on the ground. The region’s focus remains clear: protect lives, safeguard health, and ensure that progress in economic activity does not come at the expense of safety.
Citations: Valencia Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (Invassat) annual report; CC OO-PV statements; Valencian Community Business Confederation (CEV) communications; Generalitat and Consell strategy documents regarding occupational health and safety.