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The latest issue of the statistical review Dati INAIL, published by the National institute of occupational accident insurance (INAIL), reveals key data on accidents at work and occupational illnesses in the health and social services sector.
- General trend of health and safety: In addition to the continuing high risk of these professionals contracting the COVID virus in the workplace, three-quarters of the 55,427 occupational accidents reported in 2023 involved women, in line with their high representation in the sector. In 2023, 25 fatal accidents were recorded, four out of five of which involved workers aged between 50 and 64, making this age group the most affected.
- High risk of assault: with 2,500 injuries resulting from assaults in 2023, the healthcare sector is one of the hardest hit by this phenomenon. Increasing steadily since 2021, the majority of workplace assaults are committed by outsiders, notably patients or members of their families. In 80% of cases, the professionals exposed to this risk are nurses, socio-medical workers, care assistants and social workers.
- Occupational illness claims (analysis of 2019-2023 data): 80% of occupational illnesses concern female workers in 2023, once again reflecting the strong presence of women in this sector. In addition, disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system are the most commonly compensated in cases of permanent after-effects (recognized degree of disability ranging from 6% to 100%).
- Legislative innovations to protect workers from the risks associated with carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic substances: healthcare professionals may be exposed to hazardous substances at work, such as those used to sterilize medical and surgical devices. Directive (EU) 2022/431 on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to carcinogens and mutagens was transposed by decree in 2024. The decree introduces a number of additional measures, such as the obligation for workers to undergo medical surveillance, and their registration in the occupational exposure register.
