Tunisia Sees Alarming Rise in Fatal Workplace Accidents in 2023
According to figures published by the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM), Tunisia has recorded a disturbing increase in fatal workplace accidents in 2023.
120 Fatalities: A 17% Increase from 2022
The number of deaths related to workplace accidents has reached 120, marking a 17% increase compared to 2022. This surge highlights persistent and, in some cases, increased risks in several economic sectors across the country.
Construction and Public Works: The Most Vulnerable Sector
The construction and public works sector has proven to be particularly vulnerable, with 31 fatalities in 2023, making it the sector with the highest death toll. This data underscores the increased danger of jobs in this sector and the urgency to reinforce safety measures on construction sites.
Non-Fatal Accidents: A Slight Decrease
On the other hand, the total number of non-fatal workplace accidents has slightly decreased, dropping from 26,594 cases in 2022 to 26,251 in 2023, representing a 1.3% decline.
Geographic Concentration of Accidents
The CNAM also notes that over 80% of accidents were concentrated in eight governorates: Sfax, Ben Arous, Sousse, Monastir, Nabeul, Tunis, Bizerte, and Gabès. This geographic concentration of incidents signals areas where prevention and awareness-raising efforts could be prioritized.
The Importance of Safety Measures and Vigilance
These statistics emphasize the importance of safety measures and vigilance in the workplace. The increase in fatalities necessitates a rethink and reinforcement of prevention policies to protect Tunisian workers, particularly in high-risk sectors.