One work fatality in first half of 2017

The number of claims in respect of non-fatal accidents at work during the first half of 2017 decreased by 19, or 1.2 per cent, compared to the corresponding period in 2016. One fatal accident at work was also reported during this period, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.

Non-Fatal Accidents

Administrative records show that 1,593 persons had a non-fatal accident at work in the first six months of 2017.

The majority of these non-fatal accidents occurred in manufacturing (16.6 per cent). Another 242 or 15.2 per cent of the accidents occurred in construction, followed by 14.9 per cent in transport and storage activities.

The number of non-fatal accidents decreased by 18 in public administration and defence; compulsory and social security when compared to the same period last year.

On the other hand, non-fatal accidents at work increased by 15 in the Education sector.

The largest share of accidents at work during the reference period involved persons working in elementary occupations, followed by craft and related trades workers.

The most common types of accidents (43.8 per cent) affected the upper extremities of the body, such as the fingers and hands. Wounds and superficial injuries, and dislocations, strains and sprains were the most common types of injuries, amounting to 883 and 407 cases respectively.

During the first half of 2017, 26.3 per cent of the accidents at work took place in enterprises with more than 500 employees.

Fatal Accidents

Between January and June 2017, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) reported one fatal accident at work. There were four fatalities at work in the corresponding period of 2016.