The pandemic has also had a positive impact: According to statistics from the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), the number of accidents at work has fallen significantly. In 2020 alone, there was a decrease of 12.8% compared to the previous year.
However, U-Tech Gesellschaft für Maschinensicherheit mbH warns against taking risks lightly in the future. Rather, the current development is primarily due to short-term effects such as increased short-time working and the trend towards working from home. In order to avoid a counter-trend with an increase in accidents and occupational illnesses, industrial companies must continue to invest heavily in occupational safety measures.
In 2020, the number of reportable workplace accidents fell by 12.8% compared to the previous year to around 760,000. 397 of these accidents were fatal - 100 fewer than in the previous year. From U-Tech's perspective, it can be assumed that the figures for the first half of 2021 will underline the positive trend.
According to U-Tech, companies have an even greater duty to take responsibility for the health of their employees after the pandemic. Therefore, with the foreseeable easing of the coronavirus crisis, it is advisable to review protection concepts again - both accidents at work and occupational illnesses should be taken into account.
