Global Comparison of Occupational Safety Performance by Country
International Organizations Tracking Workplace Safety Statistics
Several international organizations play a crucial role in tracking and reporting workplace safety statistics. These organizations collect data, develop guidelines, and promote initiatives to improve workplace safety and health across the globe.
Global Organizations:
International Labour Organization (ILO): A United Nations agency that promotes social justice and internationally recognized human and labor rights. The ILO collects and publishes data on occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, providing a global perspective on workplace safety trends. The ILO also leads the "Safety + Health for All" flagship program, which aims to improve occupational safety and health worldwide1.
World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO focuses on global public health issues, including occupational health and safety. They collaborate with the ILO to gather data and develop guidelines for preventing workplace accidents and diseases3.
UN Global Compact: A voluntary initiative that encourages businesses to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies, including those related to occupational safety and health4.
United States-Focused Organizations:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): While primarily focused on the United States, OSHA also provides valuable resources and data on workplace safety and health, including international comparisons5.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS, a U.S. Department of Labor agency, collects and analyzes data on workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the United States6.
National Safety Council (NSC): A non-profit organization in the United States that provides safety data and resources, including international injury and fatality statistics3.
These organizations provide valuable data and insights into workplace safety performance across different countries, enabling a comprehensive analysis of global trends and best practices.
Occupational Safety Performance by Country
Evaluating occupational safety performance by country requires a multifaceted approach, considering various factors such as fatality rates, non-fatal injury rates, and occupational disease prevalence. Unfortunately, data availability and consistency vary significantly across countries, making direct comparisons challenging7.
Global estimates from the ILO indicate that the extent of occupational accidents, particularly in developing countries, has been significantly underestimated9. This highlights the challenges in data collection and the potential for underreporting in countries with less developed safety and health infrastructure.
Furthermore, the burden of work-related diseases and injuries has been on the rise. Between 2014 and 2019, there was a 26% increase in annual deaths attributed to work, underscoring the growing importance of addressing occupational safety and health10.
Despite these limitations, some general trends emerge from the available data. Countries with the lowest occupational fatality rates tend to be those with strong regulatory frameworks, comprehensive safety training programs, and a culture of workplace safety. These include:
United Kingdom: The UK has a robust health and safety regulatory system, with a fatality rate of less than one death per 100,000 workers7.
Iceland: Iceland also boasts a low fatality rate, attributed to its stringent safety regulations and enforcement7.
Bahrain: Bahrain has a surprisingly strong safety record, likely due to the influence of international companies with advanced safety practices operating in the country7.
Netherlands: The Netherlands has a well-developed occupational safety system, with a focus on employer and employee responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment7.
Finland: Finland has a long-standing commitment to workplace safety, with comprehensive regulations and a strong emphasis on worker participation in safety initiatives7.
On the other hand, countries with higher fatality rates often face challenges such as inadequate safety regulations, limited enforcement, and a lack of awareness regarding workplace hazards. Some of the countries with the highest fatality rates include:
Bhutan: Bhutan has the highest average fatality rate across all industries, with 31.9 deaths per 100,000 workers annually12.
Timor-Leste: This Southeast Asian nation has a fatality rate of 29.2 per 100,000 workers12.
Nepal: Nepal has a fatality rate of 28.8 per 100,000 workers13.
Sierra Leone: While not among the highest in fatality rates, Sierra Leone has the highest rate of reported workplace injuries, with 69% of workers experiencing serious injuries on the job14.
It's important to note that these figures represent averages across all industries. Certain sectors, such as mining, quarrying, agriculture, and construction, consistently exhibit higher fatality rates globally7.
Economic Costs of Poor Occupational Safety and Health
The economic burden of not investing in occupational safety and health is substantial. The ILO estimates that the total costs of workplace accidents and diseases amount to approximately 4% of the world's GDP per year8. This includes direct costs such as medical expenses and lost productivity, as well as indirect costs such as worker turnover and damage to company reputation.
Studies adapted by the ILO for use as global estimates indicate that the overall attributable fraction (AF) for work-related causes was 6.7% in 200515. The AF method is used to assess the work-relatedness of various diseases and disorders.
The estimated economic costs of workplace injuries and illnesses as a percentage of GDP vary across countries. For example:
15
These figures highlight the significant economic benefits of prioritizing workplace safety and health.
Regional Differences and Emerging Trends
The ILO has identified some key trends in occupational safety and health across different regions:
Middle East: The Middle East is gaining recognition for its strong emphasis on health and safety. Countries like Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have implemented thorough safety regulations, driven by government initiatives and the influence of international companies with advanced safety practices7.
Global Distribution of Fatalities: About two-thirds of global work-related mortality occurs in Asia, followed by Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania4. This highlights the need for increased focus on occupational safety and health in developing regions.
Vulnerable Workers: Younger and older workers are particularly vulnerable to workplace accidents7. This emphasizes the importance of age-specific safety measures and training programs.
Leading Causes of Death: Diseases related to work, particularly those caused by hazardous substances, are the leading cause of worker fatalities globally7. This underscores the need for effective hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures to protect workers from occupational health hazards.
High-Risk Industries
Certain industries consistently exhibit higher fatality and injury rates compared to others. These high-risk industries often involve hazardous work environments, physically demanding tasks, and exposure to dangerous substances or equipment. Some of the most dangerous sectors worldwide include:
Mining and Quarrying: This sector often involves working in confined spaces, with exposure to dust, noise, and the risk of collapses or explosions12.
Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing: These industries involve working with heavy machinery, hazardous tools, and exposure to the elements, increasing the risk of injuries and fatalities12.
Construction: Construction work often involves working at heights, with heavy materials, and using potentially dangerous equipment, leading to a high risk of falls, slips, trips, and other injuries7.
Transportation and Storage: This sector involves operating vehicles, handling heavy loads, and working in potentially hazardous environments such as warehouses or docks7.
These industries require particular attention to safety regulations, training, and enforcement to minimize risks and protect workers.
Workplace Safety Regulations and Practices
A closer examination of workplace safety regulations and practices in countries with contrasting safety records reveals key factors contributing to their success or failure in preventing workplace accidents and injuries.
United Kingdom:
Comprehensive legal framework: The UK has a long history of health and safety legislation, with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 serving as the foundation for workplace safety regulations. This Act sets out the general duties of employers and employees to ensure health and safety in the workplace16.
Emphasis on risk assessment and prevention: UK regulations require employers to conduct risk assessments and implement appropriate control measures to mitigate workplace hazards. This includes identifying potential hazards, evaluating the risks, and taking steps to eliminate or minimize those risks16.
Strong enforcement: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcing health and safety legislation in the UK, with the power to issue fines and prosecute non-compliant employers. This ensures that employers take their safety responsibilities seriously and comply with the law19.
Worker involvement: UK regulations promote worker participation in safety matters, with requirements for employee consultation and the election of safety representatives. This ensures that workers have a voice in safety matters and can contribute to improving workplace safety16.
Iceland:
Foundational legislation: The Act on Working Environment, Health and Safety in Workplaces No. 46/1980 provides the legal basis for occupational safety and health in Iceland. This Act outlines the general principles of occupational safety and health and defines the responsibilities of employers and employees20.
Focus on employer responsibility: Icelandic law places a strong emphasis on employer responsibility for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. Employers are required to systematically identify and assess workplace hazards, implement control measures, and provide safety training to their employees20.
Employee rights: Workers in Iceland have the right to refuse dangerous work and participate in safety matters through safety representatives and committees. This empowers employees to take an active role in their own safety and contribute to a safer work environment20.
Specific regulations: Iceland has numerous regulations addressing specific hazards and industries, such as the use of work equipment, chemical agents, and construction site safety. These regulations provide detailed guidance on how to manage specific risks and ensure worker safety in different sectors20.
Administrative fines: The Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH) has the authority to impose fines on employers for repeated violations of safety regulations. This provides an additional incentive for employers to comply with safety laws and prioritize worker safety22.
Bhutan:
Limited data: Information on specific workplace safety regulations and practices in Bhutan is scarce. However, the high fatality rate suggests potential challenges in regulatory frameworks, enforcement, and safety awareness12.
Developing economy: As a developing economy, Bhutan may face challenges in allocating resources to occupational safety and health initiatives. This can limit the development and enforcement of safety regulations and the provision of safety training.
Informal sector: A significant portion of Bhutan's workforce may be engaged in the informal sector, where safety regulations are often less stringent or not enforced. This poses a significant challenge to ensuring worker safety in these sectors.
Timor-Leste:
Post-conflict nation: Timor-Leste is a relatively young nation that has experienced periods of conflict and instability, which may have hindered the development of robust workplace safety systems. This can lead to a lack of resources, infrastructure, and expertise in occupational safety and health.
Limited resources: As a developing country, Timor-Leste may face resource constraints in implementing and enforcing safety regulations. This can limit the government's ability to effectively monitor workplace safety and provide support to businesses.
Lack of awareness: There may be a lack of awareness regarding workplace hazards and safety practices among both employers and employees. This can result in unsafe work practices and a higher risk of accidents and injuries.
Comparing and Contrasting Workplace Safety Approaches
Comparing the workplace safety approaches of the UK and Iceland reveals some key differences:
Legal Framework: Both countries have comprehensive legal frameworks for occupational safety and health. However, the UK system is more prescriptive, with detailed regulations and codes of practice, while the Icelandic system relies more on general principles and employer responsibility.
Enforcement: Both countries have dedicated agencies responsible for enforcing safety regulations. However, the UK's HSE has a stronger enforcement focus, with a greater emphasis on inspections and penalties.
Worker Involvement: Both countries promote worker involvement in safety matters. However, the UK system has more formalized mechanisms for worker participation, such as the election of safety representatives.
These differences reflect the unique contexts and priorities of each country. The UK's approach emphasizes detailed regulations and strong enforcement, while Iceland's approach focuses on employer responsibility and worker empowerment.
In contrast to the UK and Iceland, Bhutan and Timor-Leste face significant challenges in developing and implementing effective workplace safety systems. These challenges include limited resources, underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, and a lack of awareness regarding safety hazards.
Factors Influencing Workplace Safety
Several factors contribute to the varying levels of workplace safety performance across countries. These include:
Economic development: Developed countries generally have more resources to invest in occupational safety and health infrastructure, training, and enforcement. This allows them to establish comprehensive safety regulations, provide adequate training to workers, and effectively monitor workplace safety23.
Regulatory framework: Strong and comprehensive safety regulations, coupled with effective enforcement, are crucial for promoting workplace safety. Clear and enforceable regulations provide a framework for employers to manage risks and protect workers24.
Enforcement capacity: Adequate resources and trained personnel are essential for effective enforcement of safety regulations. This includes having enough inspectors to conduct workplace inspections and the authority to issue penalties for non-compliance2.
Workplace culture: A culture that prioritizes safety, with open communication and worker involvement, contributes significantly to reducing accidents and injuries. When safety is valued and workers feel empowered to raise concerns and participate in safety initiatives, a safer work environment is fostered25.
Technology and innovation: Technological advancements can improve workplace safety by automating hazardous tasks and providing better safety equipment. This can reduce the risk of human error and provide better protection for workers.
Education and training: Comprehensive safety training programs for both employers and employees are essential for raising awareness and promoting safe work practices. Training should cover hazard identification, risk assessment, and safe work procedures26.
Social factors: Cultural norms, attitudes towards risk, and social dialogue play a role in shaping workplace safety behaviors. These factors can influence how workers perceive risks, communicate about safety concerns, and comply with safety regulations27.
Cultural factors: Cultural norms and communication styles can significantly influence safety outcomes. For example, in hierarchical cultures, workers may be hesitant to raise safety concerns with their superiors, which can hinder hazard reporting and risk mitigation. Conversely, in cultures that value open communication and collaboration, safety issues are more likely to be addressed proactively26.
Conclusion
This report has provided a global comparison of occupational safety performance by country, highlighting the significant variations in fatality rates, injury rates, and safety practices. While data limitations pose challenges to direct comparisons, it's evident that countries with strong regulatory frameworks, comprehensive training programs, and a culture of safety tend to have better occupational safety outcomes.
Key factors contributing to successful workplace safety performance include:
Strong leadership commitment to safety.
Effective risk assessment and hazard control measures.
Comprehensive safety training and education.
Active worker involvement in safety initiatives.
Robust enforcement of safety regulations.
By prioritizing these factors, countries can strive to improve workplace safety and protect the well-being of their workforce.
References
1. International organisations - Data visualisation - EU-OSHA, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://visualisation.osha.europa.eu/osh-barometer/osh-infrastructure/international-organisations
2. Statistics on safety and health at work - ILOSTAT, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://ilostat.ilo.org/topics/safety-and-health-at-work/
3. Injury Facts - National Safety Council, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/
4. Occupational Safety and Health | UN Global Compact, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://unglobalcompact.org/take-action/safety-andhealth
5. www.osha.gov, accessed on February 24, 2025, http://www.osha.gov/data/commonstats#:~:text=Federal%20OSHA%20is%20a%20small,officer%20for%20every%2070%2C000%20workers.
6. Safety and Health - U.S. Department of Labor, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/statistics/safety
7. The United Colours of Health and Safety Worldwide, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://jetblacksafety.com/blog/post/36-the-united-colour-of-health-and-safety-worldwide.html
8. GLOBAL TRENDS ON OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS AND DISEASES - International Labour Organization, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://webapps.ilo.org/static/english/osh/en/story_content/external_files/fs_st_1-ILO_5_en.pdf
9. (PDF) Global Estimates of Occupational Accidents - ResearchGate, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222406148_Global_Estimates_of_Occupational_Accidents
10. Global-, regional- and country-level estimates of the work-related burden of diseases and accidents in 2019 - PubMed Central, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10927068/
11. jetblacksafety.com, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://jetblacksafety.com/blog/post/36-the-united-colour-of-health-and-safety-worldwide.html#:~:text=According%20to%20figures%20from%20the,one%20death%20per%20100%2C000%20workers.
12. The World's Most Dangerous Countries for Workers | Arinite, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://www.arinite.com/the-worlds-most-dangerous-countries-for-workers
13. List of countries by rate of fatal workplace accidents - Wikipedia, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_rate_of_fatal_workplace_accidents
14. The world's most dangerous countries to work in | National Accident Helpline, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://www.national-accident-helpline.co.uk/news/post/most-dangerous-countries-work
15. Global Estimates of the Burden of Injury and Illness at Work in 2012 - EU-OSHA, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://oshwiki.osha.europa.eu/en/themes/global-estimates-burden-injury-and-illness-work-2012
16. The Health and Safety at Work Act Explained, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://www.britsafe.org/training-and-learning/informational-resources/the-health-and-safety-at-work-act-explained
17. Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 - HSE, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm
18. The law on workplace safety - HSE, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://www.hse.gov.uk/workplace-health/law.htm
19. Health and safety regulations in the United Kingdom - Wikipedia, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_and_safety_regulations_in_the_United_Kingdom
20. Workplace Health and Safety in Iceland - Rivermate, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://www.rivermate.com/guides/iceland/health-and-safety
21. OSH system at national level - Iceland - OSHwiki | European Agency for Safety and Health at Work - EU-OSHA, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://oshwiki.osha.europa.eu/en/themes/osh-system-national-level-iceland
22. The Administration of Occupational Safety and Health - Island.is, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://island.is/en/o/aosh
23. Advancing Safety Around the World, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2009/02/01/Advancing-Safety-World.aspx
24. Appreciation of factors affecting health and safety at work (including the control of substances hazardous to health) | Health Knowledge, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://www.healthknowledge.org.uk/public-health-textbook/disease-causation-diagnostic/2f-environment/health-safety-work
25. 7 Common Barriers to an Effective Workplace Safety Culture | AJG Australia, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://www.ajg.com/au/news-and-insights/7-common-barriers-to-an-effective-workplace-safety-culture/
26. Safety Across Cultures | Blogs | CDC, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2018/03/13/safety-across-cultures/
27. Safety culture across cultures - PMC, accessed on February 24, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6884081/