46 killed in work place accidents in 2016

A total of 46 people died at their work places or while commuting in 2016, according to the Statistics Finland. Of the fatal accidents at work, 24 took place to wage and salary earners, five to farmers and six to other self-employed persons.

In addition, 11 fatal accidents took place while commuting, of which 10 occurred to wage and salary earners and one to other self-employed persons. The number of fatal accidents at work fell somewhat from the year before, as in 2015 a total of 51 persons died at work or while commuting.

About 132,000 occupational accidents took place in Finland in 2016. Around 120,000 of these occurred to wage and salary earners and some 11,400 to self-employed persons (including farmers).

The majority of all accidents at work, slightly over 109,000 cases, occurred at places of work or while in work traffic, whereas around 22,000 accidents at work occurred while commuting.

These numbers also include minor accidents at work that led to disability lasting less than four days and on which insurance companies paid compensation only for medical treatment expenses.

The number of accidents at work grew clearly in 2016. In 2015, the number of accidents at work was slightly over 127,000, while in 2014 the respective figure was somewhat under 127,000.