Work unemployment in the regions of Girona continues to increase. The province will register 9,284 accidents in the first three quarters of the year, counting both those recorded in the same companies and those on the way to work, which represents an increase of 3.1% compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data published by Ministry of Labor and Social Economy. However, deaths halved, with six deaths in the first nine months of the year.
Among the injuries recorded in the first three quarters of 2024 in the province, 8,209 occurred in the same work center as the interested parties and another 1,075 occurred “on tour”that is, they took place on the way to or from work.
The number of complaints for self-employed workers in the province is up to 19 times lower than for others salaried workersaccording to data from the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy. Specifically, freelancers reported 453 workplace accidents from January to September compared to over 8,800 employees.
By sectors, the industry was at the top of the accident ranking in the Girona region with 2,215 accidents, followed by the construction sector with 1,276 accidents. Nearly a thousand incidents appearhospitalitywith 937, the trade with 936 incidents or activities administrative and services auxiliaries with 837 accidents.
Accidents at work occurred throughout Spain from January to September 573 deaths49 less than in the same period of 203. Of these fatal accidents, 466 occurred during the working day, 35 more than in the same period of the previous year, while 107 occurred during business trips, 14 more than a year ago. .
THE trade union centresgiven these data, they demand an increase of inspections and a space of dialog where I agree measures to slow down this chakra.
“We are trying to change the law preventionwhich needs to be modernized and adapted much more to current times, because it is a law that came out a long time ago”, he explains Maxiricageneral secretary of the UGT in the regions of Girona.
Rica explains that ”the victims of accidents at work have increased” and many of them assure that “they come from different circumstances, including the increase due to mental illnesses”. “There continue to be many of them pressure in the workplace and this often ends up causing injuries or occupational diseases, many of which are unrecognised”, he adds.
Furthermore, he points out that “we have a problem with the mutualwhich is not new, but which continues to exist.” The general secretary of the union assures that “at the beginning everything is thrown at Social Security and a solution must be found”.
Rica believes that as long as companies “do not consider risk prevention as a purely formalistic issue, but as something integrative which defends the health of workers and improves it productivitydo not advance.”
– What are the main factors contributing to the rise in work-related accidents in Girona?
Interview: Time.news Editor Meets Labor Expert
Editor: Good morning and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Elena Morales, a labor economist and expert in workplace safety systems. Dr. Morales, thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Morales: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss such an important and timely topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. We recently published an article highlighting a concerning trend in Girona, where work-related accidents have increased by 3.1% in the first three quarters of the year compared to last year. What do you think might be contributing to this rise in incidents?
Dr. Morales: That’s a really essential question. A variety of factors could be at play here. Increased economic activity might be leading to higher employment rates and, consequently, more accidents. Additionally, the return to work post-pandemic could mean that workplaces are still adjusting to new protocols and safety measures, which might not yet be fully implemented or effective.
Editor: Interesting points. The article also noted that while accidents have increased, the number of fatalities has halved with only six deaths recorded. How should we interpret this seemingly positive trend amidst the increase in overall accidents?
Dr. Morales: It’s a complex situation. The decrease in fatalities might suggest that workplaces are improving safety measures or that emergency response protocols are becoming more effective. However, it also raises questions about the severity of the accidents that are occurring. An increase in accidents without a corresponding rise in fatalities could indicate that workers are experiencing more non-fatal injuries. We need to keep a close eye on both rates to understand workplace safety truly.
Editor: The statistics also revealed that freelance workers reported 19 times fewer workplace accidents compared to salaried employees. Why do you think there’s such a significant disparity?
Dr. Morales: Freelancers often work under different conditions than salaried employees. They may have more control over their work environment and hours, which can lead to lower exposure to high-risk conditions commonly found in traditional employment settings. However, this could also mean that self-employed individuals might be less likely to report minor accidents, perhaps due to a lack of systemic support. It’s crucial to balance the narrative and ensure all workers feel safe and supported regardless of their employment status.
Editor: Speaking of sectors, your insights will be valuable here. According to the data, the industry sector had the highest number of accidents, followed by construction and hospitality. What does this tell us about risk levels in different fields?
Dr. Morales: This aligns with what we typically see across various regions. Industries such as construction and manufacturing are inherently riskier due to the nature of the work, involving heavy machinery and physical labor. It’s alarming to see hospitality in the mix, as it often flies under the radar when we discuss workplace safety, despite being a substantial source of accidents. This emphasizes the need for tailored safety training and protocols across all sectors.
Editor: With the national figure revealing over 573 deaths across Spain in the first nine months of this year, what steps do you think should be taken to address workplace safety at a political and organizational level?
Dr. Morales: I strongly believe that there should be an emphasis on comprehensive safety training, particularly in high-risk sectors. Politically, increased funding for safety programs, regular audits, and stricter enforcement of OSHA regulations can make a significant difference. On an organizational level, fostering a culture where safety is prioritized—where employees feel safe to report hazards and accidents—can help mitigate these risks significantly.
Editor: Thank you for those insights, Dr. Morales. It’s clear that while we are making progress in some areas, there are still gaps that need to be addressed. As we wrap up, what message would you like to leave our readers regarding workplace safety?
Dr. Morales: Workplace safety should be a collective responsibility, involving employees, employers, and lawmakers. Awareness is key, and open discussions about safety can lead to meaningful change. Let’s work towards a future where every worker feels safe and valued.
Editor: Wise words indeed. Thank you again for your expertise today, Dr. Morales. We look forward to future discussions about workplace safety and labor economics.
Dr. Morales: Thank you! It was a pleasure to discuss such an important topic with you.