Death at Work in Norway. Accidents Are Not the Most Common Cause

The study shows that only one percent of all work-related deaths are caused by accidents. Cancers associated with one's profession account for as much as 46 percent of employee deaths. In 2019, a total of 11,587 people died in Scandinavian countries due to occupational injuries and diseases, while 143 died as a result of tragic accidents.

The main cause of work-related deaths is cancer. Next are cardiovascular diseases caused, among other things, by stress and long working hours.

Although diseases are the cause of the vast majority of work-related deaths, both reports from the Labor Inspection Authority and media coverage largely focus on sudden injuries and workplace accidents, the report notes. Its Norwegian authors believe that the Occupational Safety and Health Authority should not stop addressing the risk of accidents during work, but must pay more attention to the risk of diseases resulting from poor working conditions.

Estimates indicate that in the future, the number of work-related deaths due to cancer will likely increase. This is particularly due to exposure to asbestos contained in building materials being renovated and demolished. Asbestos is highly carcinogenic. The report shows that it remains the most important factor causing work-related deaths.

The terms 'occupational disease' or 'death caused by a workplace accident' are usually used in cases that entitle one to compensation under workplace accident insurance. However, the Nordic report shows that the number of work-related deaths and diseases covers many more aspects.

Moreover, fatal cases related to working life constitute only a part of the overall burden of work-related ailments. For example, musculoskeletal diseases that affect people's quality of life are not included in these calculations.

The final report will be published later this year. The project is funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Sources: emagasin-loaktuelt.lomedia.no, frifagbevegelse.no, ilo.org