Accidents at work down 15%

Accidents at work dropped by 15 per cent in the first quarter of this year when compared to the same period last year.

A total of 789 people were injured and claimed benefits between January and March, compared to 928 the previous year. The majority were hurt working in the manufacturing sector (25 per cent), construction (15.2 per cent) and transport, storage and communications (10.4 per cent).

Elementary occupations, such as watchmen, labourers, messengers and porters, were the most affected by accidents - 53.7 per cent (424 cases), followed by those who worked in crafts and trades where 121 people (15.3 per cent) were hurt.

In the period under review, 45.1 per cent of the accidents (356 cases) at work involved those aged under 35.

The workers mostly suffered injuries to the upper part of their body, mainly hands and fingers. Wounds and superficial injuries are the most common, involving 40.9 per cent (323) of the mishaps.

The number of fatalities reported by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority were two, the same number as last year.