Press release -

Work-related deaths means 10 863 lost working years

A recent study shows that the cost of work-related deaths to Swedish society is SEK 8.5 billion in lost productivity alone in the period 2008–2019.
“More resources for prevention would save billions, in addition to reducing human suffering," says Mahmoud Rezagholi at University of Gävle

Mahmoud Rezagholi estimated the costs in terms of lost productivity in the 543 fatal workplace accidents in Sweden between 2008 and 2019. In addition to administrative costs, insurance claims and medical costs, he found an additional SEK 8.5 billion in lost productivity alone.

10 863 lost working years

543 fatal workplace accidents in Sweden mean 10 863 lost working years, which generates a high economic cost for Swedish society. Rezagholi claims that this cost is not made visible in the few and often inadequate reports that exist.

Mahmoud Rezagholi

“When a young person is involved in a fatal workplace accident, a long and productive working life is lost too. Acknowledging these real costs to society is essential to understanding the need to invest more in preventing workplace accidents.”

“Every fatal accident is a tragedy; no one should have to lose their lives at work. My aim is to clarify that a preventive approach to the aspects of health and safety at work gives an enormous return in increased national income and welfare” Mahmoud Rezagholi concludes.

Scientific article


A Norwegian study estimates the total cost of health and safety deficiencies to the Norwegian society at NOK 75 billion and the annual cost of Norwegian health and safety measures at NOK 30 billion.

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According to the Swedish Work Environment Authority, four sectors had the highest rate of fatal accidents between 2011 and 2020:

  • Construction activities
  • Agriculture and forestry
  • Manufacturing industry
  • Transport

Men aged between 55 and 64 working in one-man businesses, or businesses with few employees, are the main victims of fatal accidents at work. Over the last decade, nine out of ten people involved in fatal accidents at work have been men.

Truck drivers have been the most vulnerable to fatal accidents over time. A total of 66 truck and lorry drivers lost their lives at work in the last decade. Other occupations affected include crop and livestock farmers, construction workers, construction equipment operators, forestry workers, maintenance mechanics, machine repairers, plumbers, and firefighters

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Contact:

Mahmoud Rezagholi, researcher in economics at University of Gävle
Phone: 072-001 07 21
E-mail: Mahmoud Rezagholi@hig.se

Topics

  • Economy, Finance

Categories

  • working environment
  • occupational health

Education and Research at a Scenic Campus.
The University of Gävle has approximately 17 000 students, more than 50 study programmes and second-cycle programmes, about 1 000 courses in humanities, social and natural sciences and technology.

Research Profiles
Built Environment and Health-promoting Working Life are the general research profiles of the higher education institution. Important parts included are Spatial Planning with a specialisation in Sustainable Built Environment and Musculoskeletal Disorders with the purpose to prevent work-related injuries. In 2010, the higher education institution received permission to carry out third-cycle programmes in the profile area of Built Environment.
The higher education institution has applied for permission to carry out third-cycle programmes in technology, humanities and social sciences.