Workplace accidents in the industrial sector: causes and key figures in Spain

According to data provided by the Ministry of Labour on workplace accidents in Spain, between January and June 2023 there were 279 568 workplace accidents without sick leave and 306 007 accidents involving temporary incapacity for the affected professional.

Breaking down the data by activity segments, we find that the highest number of workplace accidents during working hours occurred in the industrial sector, followed by construction. What are the causes of the high rate of workplace accidents in these activities? What measures could help reduce their incidence? 

Key workplace accident figures in Spain’s industrial sector  

According to the latest data from the National Statistics Institute, released in July 2023 and corresponding to 2021, the industrial sector is the second most important branch of activity in Spain, behind only services. Its turnover reached €734,026 million during that year, 21.5% more than the previous year.  The total number of companies in the sector exceeds 194,000, predominantly those dedicated to manufacturing, which account for 80.1% of turnover and 89.7% of the sector’s workers. 

The industrial sector can pride itself on being one of Spain’s economic engines, and reducing high workplace accident figures is one of its most urgent challenges. Returning to Ministry of Labour data, accidents in this area are close to 50,000, with manufacturing workers by far the most affected, reporting 46 502 accidents involving sick leave in the first six months of 2023. It should be noted that more than 95% of these were considered minor. 

If we focus on the specific activity carried out by people affected by workplace accidents in the sector, the five most affected segments were:

• Workers in the food industry, with 10 760 accidents.
• Professionals specialising in the manufacture of metal products, except machinery and equipment, with 9 439 accidents.
• Workers responsible for the repair and installation of machinery and equipment, with 3 079 accidents. 
• Professionals in the manufacture of non-metallic mineral products, with 3 053 accidents.
• Workers in the manufacture of machinery and equipment, with 2 671 accidents. 

What are the causes of workplace accidents in the industrial sector? 

The renewal of the industrial sector and its evolution towards a sustainable model, capable of harnessing technological innovations to increase productivity, is a key point in Spanish policies. Indeed, the Spanish Government has launched a comprehensive plan called Política Industrial España 2030 with the aim of increasing the sector’s competitiveness.

It is clear that one of the essential pillars for achieving these objectives is reducing workplace accidents. To do so, it is necessary to identify the main causes of accidents and take measures that help prevent them. Let us look at these causes: 

1. Poor communication and lack of awareness of risk prevention measures

The National Institute for Safety and Health at Work has national regulations for the Industrial Sector that include Spanish and European laws, royal decrees and regulations relating to occupational risk prevention. Their application is mandatory for companies in the sector, with the aim of reducing workplace accidents. 

The key points, linked to the performance of each professional activity, must be known, understood and applied by workers. Poor communication of these points by the company, the lack of specific training from specialist professionals in each sector, or simple lack of awareness prevent these measures from being put into practice, resulting in an increased risk of accidents.

2. Inadequate or improperly used personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment for industrial-sector professionals prevents workers from coming into direct physical contact with elements that could endanger their health while carrying out their work. One of the main causes of workplace accidents is working with personal safety garments and materials in poor condition or using them improperly. 

Gloves, helmets, masks, face shields and slip-resistant professional footwear are some of the items of equipment industrial workers must have. Of course, it should always be taken into account that, depending on the activity carried out in the sector, specific equipment may be required. 

3. Awkward postures and manual handling of loads

As stated by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, musculoskeletal disorders are among the occupational conditions that result in the most sick leave in companies and “affect millions of workers across Europe”, generating a cost of “billions of dollars for companies”. 

Work in the industrial sector, involving prolonged periods in awkward postures, repetitive movements and the handling of sometimes heavy loads, causes common accidents among workers. For this reason, it is essential that the company develops a risk prevention plan that includes recommendations to minimise the severity of any injury. 

For it to be truly useful, workers must receive training explaining these basic occupational health recommendations, in addition to establishing work schedules that prevent work overload.   

4. Poorly maintained machinery

Industrial-sector professionals work with heavy machinery whose malfunction can cause serious accidents. All equipment must undergo regular inspections and receive ongoing maintenance to identify any anomaly. 

On this last point, the people who regularly work with machines or tools must be thoroughly trained so that they can recognise irregularities in their operation. 

5. Trips and falls 

Injuries caused by slips or falls are common in jobs requiring constant movement or carried out in spaces with surfaces at different heights or floors with varying textures. The use of different tools and machinery also means that industrial-sector workers encounter obstacles along their route. 

Cleanliness, tidiness and proper lighting in workspaces are key to reducing the risk of trips and falls. Along with these aspects, professional footwear with a slip-resistant sole will be the worker’s best ally. It is very important that it meets the latest slip-resistance standards for work footwear, such as EN ISO 20344:2021. 

Having suitable professional footwear makes a major contribution to reducing workplace accidents. Shoes For Crews models, all equipped with our innovative slip-resistant sole, adapt to the needs of different jobs in the industrial sector. See our buying guide to choose the footwear that best fits the activities performed by your team. And if you are looking for personalised advice, contact us and we will help you resolve all your questions.