Occupational accidents decreased by 12.8% between July-Sept - NSO

According to statistics published by the National Statistics Office (NSO), 809 persons had an accident at work during the third quarter of 2011, a decrease of 119 (-12.8%) when compared with 2010.

The majority of the accidents occurred to males amounting to 702 aged between 25 and 34. Another 22.7% of accidents occurred to persons aged 45-54 years.

The majority of non-fatal accidents occurred in manufacturing (22.3%), construction (18.4%) and wholesale and retail trade (13.7%) according to the report.

When compared to the same period last year, the number of accidents in increased in transport, storage and communication.

According to the report, 303 accidents (37.5%) involved persons in elementary occupations, while 165 accidents (20.4%), concerned crafts and related trades workers.

The most common types of injuries were wounds and superficial injuries amounting to 370, and dislocations, strains and sprains amounting to 209. Both types of accidents decreased by 11.3% and 26.4% respectively when compared to 2010.

Accidents involving upper and lower extremities were the most common and were similar to trends in previous years.

No fatal accidents were reported at work between July and September according to the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) whereas two fatal accidents were reported during the corresponding period in 2010.