Workplace Fatalities Rise in Spain
According to data released by the Spanish Ministry of Labor, workplace accidents caused 360 deaths between January and June of 2024, representing a significant 6.8% increase from the same period last year. Of these fatal accidents, 299 occurred during working hours, while 61 happened on the way to or from work.
Despite overall employment growth, the accident rate per 100,000 workers remained stable, decreasing slightly. However, the fatality rate saw a concerning 5.3% increase.
The leading causes of death were heart attacks, strokes, and other natural causes, accounting for one in three fatalities. Entrapment, crushing, or amputation saw the most significant increase, claiming the lives of 49 workers, a 44% surge from the previous half-year.
The services sector bore the brunt of fatal accidents during working hours, accounting for 154 deaths. Construction and industry followed closely behind with 70 and 48 deaths, respectively.
Activities with the highest frequency rates were extractive industries, construction, and water supply, energy and waste management. Conversely, sectors like healthcare, commerce, and public administration and defense had the lowest accident rates.