Work-related deaths and disabilities increasing globally

News
Joanne Swann
red and white stop road sign

A team of researchers from Tampere University, Finland, and the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) in Italy has conducted a comprehensive study on global estimates of work-related diseases and occupational injuries. Their findings, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, reveal a concerning increase of 26% in work-related deaths from 2011 to 2019.

The study explores the burden of work-related diseases and injuries, emphasising the growing impact on years lost in full health and the economic loss as a percentage of GDP. In 2019 alone, 2.9 million deaths were attributed to work, with 2.58 million resulting from diseases and 0.32 million from occupational injuries.

Notably, work-related circulatory diseases accounted for the majority of global deaths (912,000), followed by 843,000 deaths attributed to work-related cancer. The economic loss associated with these issues reached 5.8% of the global GDP in 2019, with psychosocial factors contributing significantly to the overall loss.

While work-related deaths increased by 26%, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rose by 47%, reaching 180 million in 2019. This notable increase is attributed in part to the inclusion of psychosocial exposures at work.

Dr. Subas Neupane, Senior Research Fellow at Tampere University, commented:

The burden of work-related diseases is a major global health challenge. Updated estimates are needed to understand the trends in the work-related burden of diseases, working conditions and their impact on workers’ health as well as to identify where the current efforts fall short.

Dr. Subas Neupane, Senior Research Fellow at Tampere University

The researchers emphasise the substantial regional and country variation in the burden of work-related diseases, emphasising the imperative for sustained global initiatives.

This study provides a vital update on the global estimates of occupational injuries and work-related diseases over the past 25 years. The collaboration between Tampere University, ICOH, and the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health underscores the significance of addressing this major global health challenge.

For more information, refer to the published research article in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health.

Joanne Swann, Content Manager, WorkWellPro
Editor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional | Website |  + posts

Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.

Share

Latest News

Latest Analysis

Related Articles

Amie Meslohi: Burnout, Bubble Baths, and the Self-care Lie

We get six wellbeing days every year, on top of annual leave. As a working parent, these are gold. Actual, literal gold.

Young Employees ‘Call for Greater Workplace Wellbeing Support’

Young employees across the UK are increasingly calling for stronger wellbeing support from their employers, according to new research.

HSE Reminds Employers of Health and Safety Duties for Home Workers

Employers are being reminded that health and safety responsibilities extend beyond traditional workplaces and apply equally to staff working from home.

UK Adults Report Highest Robot Anxiety in Global Study

Adults in the UK are more anxious about robots than people in any other country surveyed in a new international study.
Previous article
Katy Foster: When the Christmas party goes too far…
Next article
Winter is here! A guide to workplace safety in icy conditions