How Many People Die at Work Each Year? (2024)

3 million people die each year at work

Every year, nearly 3 million people die due to work-related accidents and diseases.

According to a 2023 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which was released during the World Congress on Safety and Health at Work, not only did nearly 3 million workers lose their lives, but 395 million workers worldwide also sustained non-fatal work injuries. This means millions of people face injuries and illness just by doing their jobs.

Breakdown of Work-Related Deaths

In the most recent data, from 2019, the ILO⁽¹⁾ reported that:

• 2.93 million workers died as a result of work-related accidents and diseases. This number has risen by more than 12% since 2000.
• The increase in fatalities is influenced by several factors, such as a 26% increase in the global workforce and improved diagnostic tools that now detect more cases.
• Work-related diseases accounted for the majority of deaths, with 2.6 million fatalities attributed to diseases like circulatory issues, cancer, and respiratory conditions.
• 330,000 deaths were due to work accidents, meaning nearly 90% of work-related fatalities are from long-term illnesses rather than immediate accidents.

Disparities in Work-Related Deaths

Work-related deaths are not evenly distributed:

• Men are more likely to die from work-related causes, with a mortality rate of 108.3 per 100,000 workers, compared to 48.4 per 100,000 for women.
• The Asia-Pacific region is the hardest hit, accounting for almost 63% of global work-related deaths due to its large working population.

Comparing Work Deaths to Other Causes

Work-related deaths represented 6.71% of all global deaths in 2019, which is more than double the number of fatalities from road traffic accidents.

Fatal Accidents in the United States

Focusing on the U.S., the number of fatal work injuries in 2022 reached 5,486, while non-fatal injuries in the private industry amounted to 2.8 million recorded cases ⁽²⁾. These numbers highlight that workplace safety remains a critical concern, even in developed economies.

Fatal Accidents in the European Union

According to data from Eurostat ⁽³⁾, the EU recorded approximately 3,347 fatal work accidents in 2021. Although this figure reflects a decrease compared to previous years, it remains alarming.

Fatal Accidents at work per year in the European Union:

In terms of non-fatal accidents, the EU reported 3.2 million non-fatal accidents leading to workers missing at least four days of work. Many of these injuries happen in high-risk sectors like construction, manufacturing, and transport.

Key Factors Contributing to Work Accidents in the EU‍

• ‍Sectoral Differences: Industries like construction and manufacturing report the highest number of workplace accidents, both fatal and non-fatal. These fields require strict safety measures because of the physical risks involved in daily tasks.‍
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Workers in SMEs are at greater risk for workplace accidents due to limited resources for safety training and equipment.
• ‍Regional Disparities: The rate of fatal accidents differs across the EU. Some Eastern European countries have higher accident rates, while Western European countries with better safety regulations tend to see fewer fatalities.
• The EU is working on initiatives to improve workplace safety, but these statistics highlight that there is still more to be done to protect workers and reduce accidents.

Conclusion

It’s easy to get lost in the numbers when talking about workplace fatalities, but we have to remember that every single one of those figures represents a person—a family member, a friend, or a coworker. Behind every statistic is a story of loss and heartbreak, and the ripple effects of these tragedies are felt by countless people. For the families, communities, and workplaces left behind, it’s more than just a number—it’s a catastrophe that changes lives forever.

That’s why workplace safety is so important. It’s not just about reducing figures on a report. It’s about protecting people, preventing tragedy, and making sure everyone goes home safely to their loved ones at the end of the day.