Work-related deaths reach new high in 2025

According to confirmed figures from the Social Security Agency, 783 workers died in work-related accidents in 2025, a record number with 19 more deaths than in 2024, which was also a record year. In addition, 344 deaths occurred in commuting accidents on the way to work, and 204 deaths were related to occupational diseases, totaling 1,331 deaths—an increase of 34 compared to the previous year.

Faints dominate work-related deaths

The Social Security Agency noted that "faints represent more than half of the cases" among work-related deaths. These figures were confirmed in a press release from the agency, which stated that they align with earlier estimates by the CGT, a major labor union, from September. The agency will provide more detailed data in its annual report by the end of October.

Accident frequency remains stable but commuting risks rise

The number of work-related accidents resulting in temporary or permanent disability remained stable in 2025, at over 551,000 accidents, with a frequency index of 26.4 accidents per 1,000 employees, similar to 2024. However, the number of commuting accidents increased by 1.7% compared to the previous year, reaching more than 96,300 incidents with similar outcomes.

Occupational diseases and youth overrepresentation

The number of occupational diseases also increased in 2025 by a little over 3%, with nearly 90% related to musculoskeletal disorders. Young people remain overrepresented among the victims, as those under 25 years of age account for 11% of employees in the general regime but 16% of work-related accident victims and 23% of commuting accident victims.

New policies aim to reduce costs

In pursuit of cost savings, the government published a decree on October 1st lowering the maximum salary considered for the calculation of daily allowances after a work-related accident or occupational disease. The 2027 budget proposal currently under review in the National Assembly also plans to make the taxation of daily allowances for sick leave less favorable.