The number of accidents at work in 2023 to declare was lower than in 2019: 783,426 compared with 871,547. This is a record number if we exclude the years 2020 to 2022, which were heavily influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of fatal accidents at work and on the way to work was also at an all-time low, and the number of occupational diseases reported and recognised fell sharply.<\/p>\n
The number of reportable accidents at work fell by 0.5%, while the number of commuting accidents (184,355) was 6.4% higher than in 2022, but lower than in 2019. With regard to occupational diseases, the number of reported cases (145,359) and the number of recognised cases fell by around 60.7% and 63.6% respectively compared with 2022. It should be noted that these figures are still about twice as high as in 2019 due to the number of COVID-19 cases in 2023: 64,733 reported and 53,220 recognised. In 2023, 2,140 insured persons died as a result of an occupational disease, including 13 as a result of COVID-19 infection.<\/p>\n
The number of accidents to pupils and students and the number of commuting accidents involving them increased by around 4% compared with 2022, but remained lower than in 2019.<\/p>\n
Compensation benefits account for the largest share of the statutory accident insurance budget. As a result of general price and wage increases, expenditure – around \u20ac12 billion – has increased in 2023. Expenditure on medical treatment and compensation (\u20ac5.7 billion, +7.4%) increased significantly more than expenditure on financial compensation to policyholders (\u20ac6.3 billion, +2.5%). \u201cExpenditure on medical treatment and rehabilitation may seem high, but in reality it is a worthwhile investment\u201d, explains the DGUV Director General, Dr Stefan Hussy. \u201cThis is borne out by our success in reintegrating policyholders after accidents at work and occupational diseases\u201d.<\/p>\n