CubaHeadlines

Workplace Deaths in Cuba Increase by Nearly Nine Percent in First Half of 2024

Tuesday, August 27, 2024 by Sophia Martinez

Workplace Deaths in Cuba Increase by Nearly Nine Percent in First Half of 2024
Two construction workers walk through Old Havana (Reference image) - Image © CiberCuba

Workplace deaths in Cuba rose in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, despite a 3.8% decrease in the total number of incidents during that time.

Although the absolute numbers show a small variation—25 fatalities this year compared to 23 in 2023—the percentage increase is significant at 8.7%. The report titled Work Protection. Selected Indicators, published this Monday by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), details that between January and June of this year, 851 workplace accidents were registered. This represents 34 fewer incidents than the 885 recorded in the same period of 2023.

Additionally, the number of injured individuals decreased by 5% compared to last year, totaling 864 injuries (down from 909 the previous year). The mortality rate, which measures the number of deaths per 1,000 injured, increased from 25.3 to 28.9 points.

Most Affected Sectors

The sectors most impacted by mortality were Transportation, Storage, and Communications with six fatalities; Agriculture, Livestock, Hunting, and Forestry with four deaths; and Manufacturing Industries, Electricity, Gas, and Water Supply, and Commerce, each with three fatalities.

The five provinces with the most workplace accidents were Havana (434), Holguín (75), Santiago de Cuba (57), Villa Clara (44), and Las Tunas (43).

Last May, the ONEI reported that the number of workplace accidents in 2023 had decreased compared to 2022, although the number of fatalities remained unchanged. Last year ended with a total of 1,491 workplace accidents, representing a 10.6% decrease compared to the previous year. The number of injured individuals also fell by 10.5%, reaching a total of 1,537. However, the number of deaths in such accidents remained stable at 52, resulting in an increase in the mortality rate from 30.3 to 33.8 points.

FAQs on Workplace Accidents in Cuba

Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the recent report on workplace accidents in Cuba. These questions aim to provide a better understanding of the data and its implications.

What caused the increase in workplace deaths despite fewer incidents?

The increase in workplace deaths despite fewer incidents could be due to a variety of factors, including the severity of the accidents that did occur. More detailed investigation and reporting would be needed to pinpoint specific causes.

Which sectors are most affected by workplace fatalities?

The sectors most affected by workplace fatalities include Transportation, Storage, and Communications; Agriculture, Livestock, Hunting, and Forestry; and Manufacturing Industries, Electricity, Gas, and Water Supply, and Commerce.

How have workplace accidents in Cuba changed over the past year?

Workplace accidents in Cuba decreased by 3.8% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. However, the number of fatalities increased by 8.7%, highlighting a rise in the mortality rate.

© CubaHeadlines 2024