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According to a new study, France currently has the highest rate of non-fatal work accidents in Europe. Seniors are the most affected by these incidents.
Each year, more than 200,000 workers die of occupational diseases within the European Union and France is at the top of the basket (3.5 fatal accidents per 100,000 employees in 2019). How to explain these numbers? Which business sectors are most affected? Why do seniors seem more affected? Response elements.
Musculoskeletal disorders pointed out
The figures are without appeals. According to the survey conducted by the Mutualité Française as part of the 6th edition of the “Occupational Health Observatory”, France stands out for its rate of non-fatal accidents “the highest in Europe“: 3,425 accidents at work per 100,000 people in employment.
By way of comparison, the European average is half the level: 1,603 non-fatal accidents per 100,000 employees. By “non-fatal occupational accidents“, we mean all those who require at least 4 days off work.
If the exact causes of these accidents have not been revealed, musculoskeletal disorders remain the leading cause of occupational diseases (at 88%). Mental illnesses are also on the rise (+6% compared to 2018).
Older people more affected by accidents at work
Another key finding of the study: approximately 10% of serious work accidents involve people over 60 years old.
More specifically, serious accidents, which lead to an inability to work, represent 8% of accidents among 50-59 year olds, and nearly 10% among those over 60 years old.
“The aging of the employee population associated with the development of chronic pathologies leads to an increase in morbidity and the number of work stoppages“, details the investigation.
“Older workers worn out by the trade, and therefore weakened, are, in fact, more at risk of accidents“, specifies Dr. Lynda Bensefa-colas, occupational physician.
Accidents, which weigh heavily on the balance since the average duration of stops is three times longer among seniors over 60 than among young people under 20. Work-related incidents and illnesses that cost the European Union more than 3.3% of GDP per year.
The construction sector more prone to accidents
As for the sectors where these accidents occur, it is the construction industry which comes at the top of the ranking with 53.4 occupational accidents with lost time per 1000 employees, against 33.5 for all sectors.
“It is not a surprise. The construction industry has long been a source of accidents. The work is arduous, difficult, and the loads are heavy, which makes it a sector with a high accident risk“, admits Dr. Lynda Bensefa-colas, occupational physician.
Another peculiarity of this environment: “Dn the construction sector, employees do not necessarily follow prevention rules. Workers are poorly informed and trained in the risks of the job”.
Much progress therefore remains to be made in terms of risk prevention.