52 people died in work-related accidents in 2024; migrant workers more prone to injury

A total of 52 people died due to work-related accidents last year. The Labor Inspectorate received 3,200 reports of people involved in work-related accidents. This was stated in the regulator’s annual report.

In 2023, there were 72 fatal accidents on the work floor, and 2,700 people were reportedly involved in an accident during work. The year before saw 51 fatalities and around 2,400 reported accidents.

A spokesperson for the Labor Inspectorate does not have an explanation for the difference in numbers. She said that one possibility is that people are finding the Labor Inspectorate more easily and that is leading to an increase in reports.

The organization has stated that they want to be easier to find, but not all work related accidents are on the regulator’s radar. According to the spokesperson, some accidents are intentionally not reported to the inspectorate as this can cause issues for the company.

Accidents at work occur relatively often among temporary workers, many of whom are migrant workers. According to the inspectorate, this is because migrant workers more often do "unskilled, low-paid and temporary work, often in sectors where the risk of accidents is already relatively high.”

In addition, a strong relationship between an employer and employee is conducive to safety on the work floor. Both parties feel more involved in these instances, which leads to more investment in a safe work area.

Migrant workers largely have short-term (temporary employment) contracts, according to the inspectorate.