Occupational Diseases on the Rise in 2023
According to data from the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) published in the "Health and Safety at Work" review by the Institute of Health and Safety at Work (ISST), occupational diseases increased by 25.1% in 2023 compared to 2022.
Textile and Clothing Sector Most Affected
The textile and clothing sector appears to be particularly affected during the 2021-2023 period, according to data relayed by the TAP agency. In the clothing branch, 2,829 work accidents were reported in 2023, compared to 2,633 in 2021. This activity represents approximately 10.8% of the national total of work accidents. The textile sector also remains above the national average.
Accidents and Fatalities in the Sector
The clothing industry recorded 5 fatal accidents in 2023, accounting for approximately 4% of all fatal work accidents (120 cases). These accidents are mainly related to the use of machines and electrical hazards. However, the frequency index of accidents in the textile industry decreased to 12.1% in 2023, compared to 17.6% in 2021.
Occupational Diseases on the Rise
Regarding occupational diseases, 3,524 cases were reported in 2023, according to the CNAM. Musculoskeletal disorders and respiratory diseases account for nearly 90% of all cases. In the clothing sector, 1,481 cases were reported in 2023, compared to 871 in 2021. This branch concentrates 42% of all occupational diseases in the textile and clothing sectors.
Regional Distribution of Cases
At the regional level, the governorates of Sousse, Monastir, and Mahdia account for 51% of all reported cases. This concentration is explained by the strong presence of the textile industry in the Sahel region. The governorate of Monastir has the highest number of active enterprises in the textile and clothing sector, with 405 companies, representing approximately 27% of the national total. It is followed by Zaghouan (191 enterprises) and Nabeul (171 enterprises).
Regional Enterprise Distribution
According to the same source, these three governorates represent approximately 52% of all enterprises in the sector nationwide, according to a study by the ISST published in 2025.
