The latest statistics show that €31 million in compensation was awarded for workplace injuries in 2008.
Unlike personal injuries in general where most awards are made to women, three quarters of workplace accident injuries are suffered by men. There were 972 claims in 2008 resulting in an average award of €32,266. One third of awards were for over €38,000 and the largest award was €582,000.
The construction industry suffers the most workplace injuries – 28% of the total. The statistics show that injuries due to workplace accidents are remarkably well spread around different sectors: manufacturing 20%, hotels and restaurants 13%, retail 12%, public bodies 9%, and transport/storage 5%.
Three quarters of workplace accidents were caused by slips, trips, and falls (44%), lifting or handling (18%), and machinery and defective equipment (16%).
Interestingly, many accident victims have multiple injuries. The most common injuries are sprains (42%), fractured bones (25%), cuts (24%), bruises (19%), and crushing (12%).