New annual statistics on work injuries from the Swedish Work Environment Authority
During 2023, the number of reported work accidents that led to sick leave increased by 11 percent compared to the previous year. At the same time, the reported work-related illnesses decreased by 28 percent. This is shown in the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s report Work Injuries 2023.
The statistics for 2023 showed that the number of reported occupational accidents with absence among employees and self-employed persons was approximately 39,400, which corresponds to an increase of 11 percent compared to 2022.
The number of reported occupational diseases was approximately 11,900, which corresponds to a decrease of 28 percent compared to 2022. The reasons for this decrease can largely be linked to the pandemic as reported occupational diseases related to covid-19 has vanished.
In 2023, there were 55 occupational accidents with a fatal outcome in Swedish labor force. Men were more often affected by work accidents with a fatal outcome than women and also reported more occupational accidents that led to absence. However, women reported more occupational diseases and work accidents without sick leave than men.
Several parts of the report are in English where you can read the main content of the statistics in English as well as the list of terms. The entire report is available for download here.
ABOUT THE SWEDISH WORK ENVIRONMENT AUTHORITY
(SWEA) (Swedish: Arbetsmiljöverket, abbreviated AV) is a Swedish administrative authority sorting under the Ministry of Employment, responsible for issues relating to the working environment and work injury statistics. The agency is tasked by the Government with issuing regulations, should spread information and furnish advice on occupational safety and health (OSH), and the relating labour laws, in particular the Work Environment Act (AML). This is primarily done with the Work Environment Authority’s Statute Book (AFS), which contains provisions and general recommendations specifying the requirements to be met by the work environment. The agency also publishes other books, brochures, reports and should promote collaboration between parties on the labour market, on issues relating to OSH. Furthermore, the agency has a supervisory role for the compliance of the occupational health legislation, the Working Hours Act (SFS 1982:673) and, in certain aspects, the Tobacco Act (SFS 1993:581) and the Environmental Code (SFS 1998:808). This is usually done with inspections, and for this purpose, the agency has the right to issue stipulations and injunctions to any non-compliant employer.
