All four fatal workplace incidents in Malta during first half of 2024 involved non-EU males

Four fatal workplace accidents were reported in the first half of 2024, National Statistics Office records show, and in each case, the individuals who lost their life were male and non-EU nationals.

Meanwhile, the number of claims in respect of non-fatal accidents at work in the first half of 2024 increased by 23 cases, or 0.1 per cent, compared to the corresponding period in 2023, reaching a total of 1,085.

The majority of these non-fatal accidents occurred in the manufacturing sector (15.8 per cent). Another 143 or 13.2 per cent of the accidents occurred in the construction sector followed by the human health and social work activities (117 or 10.8 per cent).

Almost one third of those involved in an accident at work were absent from work for three days or less, while those absent from work for 21 days or more amounted to 19.3 per cent.

The largest share of non-fatal accidents at work during the reference period involved persons working in elementary occupations followed by craft and related trades workers. As regard age cohorts, 26.3 per cent of the accidents involved persons in the 25 to 34 age-bracket. In the period under review, 70.0 per cent of those involved in a non-fatal accident at work were Maltese.

Almost one third (31.9 per cent) of the injuries at work affected the back, including spine and vertebra in the back. Wounds and superficial injuries, and dislocations, sprains and strains were the most common types of injuries, amounting to 687 and 292 cases respectively.

In the first half of 2024, 26.3 per cent of the accidents at work took place in enterprises with 500 or more employees.

During 2023, 733 non-fatal accidents per 100,000 employed persons were reported. The highest standardised incidence rate of non-fatal accidents at work was recorded in manufacturing followed by construction and human health and social work activities.