Fatal Workplace Accidents Rise in the European Union in 2024
The Statistics
In 2024, the number of fatal accidents at work within the European Union (EU) reached 3,367, marking a 1.4% increase, or 45 additional deaths, compared to the previous year. Conversely, non-fatal workplace accidents decreased to approximately 2.78 million, down by 1.5%, or 43,742 fewer incidents than in 2023.
Sectoral Analysis
Eurostat, the EU's statistical office, revealed that:
- The construction sector recorded the highest number of fatal accidents at work in 2024, totaling 776 deaths, down from 802 in 2023.
- Transport and storage followed with 537 fatalities.
- Manufacturing had 466 fatal accidents.
Non-Fatal Accidents by Sector
For non-fatal accidents:
- Manufacturing led with 509,851 cases in 2024, the lowest level recorded over the past decade, except for 2020, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Construction reported 352,520 non-fatal accidents.
- Wholesale and retail trade, as well as repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, had 345,282 such incidents.