Increase in Work-Related Deaths in 2024
In a concerning trend, the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (Inail) reported a 3.5% increase in work-related fatalities for the first eight months of 2024, totaling 680 deaths. This rise is alarming, especially when compared to the same period in 2023. Overall, 386,554 workplace accidents were reported, marking a slight increase of 0.9% from last year, although this figure is a significant 20.2% decrease compared to the first eight months of 2022. In addition, the number of reported occupational illnesses surged by 21.3%, totaling 58,857 cases.
Asturias Faces a Critical Situation with Workplace Fatalities
Asturias is experiencing a particularly tragic year, with five work-related deaths reported in just over a month. The latest fatality involved a 62-year-old construction worker who was killed when scaffolding collapsed in Gijón. This incident marks the thirteenth death in the region for 2024, raising alarms about workplace safety. In September alone, multiple accidents resulted in three fatalities and numerous injuries, highlighting a pattern of increasing danger in the workplace.
Government Response to Rising Workplace Accidents
In response to the alarming increase in workplace fatalities, the regional government of Asturias and the Labour Inspectorate are implementing measures to enhance workplace safety. This includes hiring seven new occupational risk prevention technicians and increasing inspections across companies. The goal is to address the organizational shortcomings that have been identified as a major cause of these accidents. Union leaders are advocating for urgent action to ensure compliance with safety regulations, emphasizing that many accidents stem from inadequate safety practices and excessive subcontracting.
