On April 28th, we observe International Workers Memorial Day, an occasion to remember those who have been killed or injured at work and raise awareness about safety at work. This day serves as a strong reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the need for continuous efforts to protect workers. The transport and fisheries sectors, in particular, stand out as some of the most hazardous industries, with alarming rates of both fatal and non-fatal incidents.
Transport and fisheries are essential to our economy and daily lives, yet they come with significant risks for their workers. According to Eurostat, these sectors consistently report high numbers of workplace accidents and fatalities. In 2022, there were 3,286 fatal accidents at work in the EU, with the transport and storage sector accounting for a significant portion of these incidents. From 2012 to 2022, the transport and storage industry was the second sector with more non-fatal injuries, just behind Construction. Recent numbers also show that across the OECD, transport workers are three times more likely to have a non-fatal accident at work and almost six times more likely to have a fatal accident compared to the average across all sectors. These statistics underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures and regulations.
The Vicious Cycle of Labour Shortage
The dangers inherent in these industries contribute to a vicious cycle of labour shortages. High accident rates deter potential workers from joining these sectors, exacerbating the existing shortage of skilled labour. This shortage, in turn, leads to increased workloads and longer hours for current employees, further elevating the risk of accidents and injuries. This shows us that when we discuss a labour shortage in the transport industry, we’re, in fact, talking about a shortage of good and safe jobs.
Breaking the Cycle: A Call to Action
To break this cycle, it is imperative to prioritise worker safety through comprehensive training, stringent safety protocols, robust regulatory frameworks and controls and enforcement. Employers must invest in safety technologies and foster a culture of safety that empowers workers to speak up about hazards without fear of retaliation. Additionally, minimising the use of precarious contracts and addressing the root causes of labour shortages, such as improving working conditions and offering competitive wages, can attract and retain skilled workers.
Also, we keep asking national governments to prioritise controls and enforcement, as we have been witnessing a constant decrease in the labour and safety inspections over the last decade.
Remembering the Fallen, Protecting the Living
As we commemorate Workers Memorial Day, we honour the memory of those who have lost their lives by demanding safer workplaces. Every transport worker deserves to return home safely at the end of the day. Employers and authorities must take decisive action to improve safety in the transport and fisheries sectors, to prevent future tragedies, because one death at work is indeed one too many.
