Workers in the food industry run a higher risk of serious accidents at work than other occupational groups. The average risk over the period 2017-2021 was 9.7 serious accidents at work per 1,000 employees. It was 15.5 for butchers and 8.9 for machine operators, who suffered the most serious accidents at work. Bakers and confectioners, although less affected, were still affected, with a rate of 5.3.

In 2022, around 38,500 people received compensation for permanent disability due to an occupational disease. And nearly 13,000 workers (private sector and provincial or local administrations, APL) filed a claim for compensation; 211 deaths were recognised, 73% of which were due to asbestos, 17% to silicosis and 10% to other diseases. These are the findings of the Fedris “Statistical Report on Occupational Diseases” 2022.

Going back to work after the summer holidays can be a source of stress and anxiety for some people. The UGT trade union confederation is trying to raise awareness of “post-holiday syndrome” and “ergophobia”, the irrational and exaggerated fear of work.

In 2021, more than 91,159 accidents at work occurred in Finland, around 4,500 more than in 2020. As in the previous year, construction workers (10,787), care and health service workers (9,367) and machine shop and foundry workers (7,162) were most affected.

To make a long-term contribution to a good working environment in private companies, municipalities and regions, with fewer accidents at work and health problems, Afa Försäkring is investing in research programs every year. Recently, SEK 28 million (over 2.34 million euros) were allocated to eight projects that will run until 2026