© Envato
A new report by the Ministry of Social Security reveals that in 2021, there were more work and commuting accidents compared to the previous year as well as significantly more occupational diseases than before the Covid-19 crisis.
Despite the health crisis, the number of workers has increased significantly: 15,732 more in 2021 than in 2020. In total, Luxembourg has 31,353 companies and 469,166 employees for a population of 645,000 people.
This information was provided by the Accident Insurance Association (AAA), which is responsible for for prevention and compensation regarding occupational accidents and diseases, in its new annual report published on Tuesday.
© (Source: Rapport annuel 2021 AAA.lu)
The AAA has recorded 13,712 work accidents, 2,589 commuting accidents, and 239 occupational diseases.
Last year, social security thus recorded a total of 16,540 cases. That is 1,125 cases more than in 2020, but according to the AAA, statistically “we are still well below the 2019 figures.”
The report clearly shows that the pandemic continues to have a substantial impact on workplaces. According to the AAA, occupational diseases increased by around 88% in 2021 compared to 2019, prior to the pandemic. Infectious diseases are the main cause (93 cases), followed by nerve paralysis due to prolonged local pressure (43 cases), and diseases of the synovial sheaths surrounding the tendons (31 cases).
© Source: Rapport annuel 2021 AAA.lu
In one year, the total number of accidents, including work accidents, commuting accidents, and occupational diseases, has increased. The reason for this is that there were more work (+1,056) and commuting (+143) accidents last year. However, when compared to the reference year 2019, the number of work (-15%) and commuting (-29%) accidents decreased.
Meanwhile, there has been a decline in the number of fatal accidents. Ten people died in work-related accidents in 2021, compared to 19 in both 2020 and 2019.
In terms of prevention, the national charter “Vision Zéro” is nearing the end of its initial term (2016-2022). According to the ministry, new national targets have been set for the period 2023 to 2030, and “institutional partners and corporations will be encouraged to subscribe to the national ‘Vision Zéro’ strategy.”
The AAA, one of the organisers of the Occupational Health and Safety Forum (OHS), has announced the start of registration for the 15th edition of the OHS, which will take place on 26 October 2022, from 8am to 6pm at Luxexpo. Registration is free but required.
The list of exhibitors, as well as the detailed programme of the OHS Forum and associated workshops, are available at: https://visionzero.lu/en/forum-sst/