CCOO de Catalunya, the Catalan branch of the Workers' Commissions trade union, has called for emergency workplace-safety plans after 109 people died in work-related accidents in Catalonia in 2025.

The figure was 22.5% higher than in 2024 and the highest annual total since 2011, when 113 workplace deaths were recorded. For workers, particularly those in construction and industry, the union says the rise reinforces the need for risk-prevention measures that can avert fatal falls, electrical contact and collisions.

Deaths rose while total reported accidents were broadly stable

According to data from the Observatory of Labour and Productive Model, cited by Europa Press, the total number of workplace accidents fell by 0.38% in 2025. Fatal accidents nevertheless increased.

  • 85 workers died in accidents during the working day, up 26.8% on the previous year and the highest figure since 2009.
  • 24 people died in accidents while travelling to or from work, up 9%.
  • There were 115,852 workplace accidents resulting in sick leave, including 765 serious injuries, 20 fewer than in 2024.

The union said traumatic causes were the most common in fatal cases. This category includes injuries caused by an external event, such as a fall from height, electrical contact or being struck by an object. Another 46 people died from non-traumatic causes, including heart attacks and strokes.

“We should have overcome these kinds of cases. Although there are mechanisms to mitigate them, they continue to kill people.”Mónica Pérez, CCOO de Catalunya's occupational health lead

Construction and industry recorded sharp increases

The service sector accounted for 67% of workplace accidents in absolute terms. Construction had the higher incidence of fatal accidents, with 10 deaths per 10,000 members, according to the data reported by Europa Press.

Fatal workplace accidents rose by 140% in construction and by 60% in industry during 2025, while the figure in services remained stable at 43 deaths. CCOO de Catalunya has requested emergency plans focused on preventing accidents at work.

Reported by Source Text Link, Paula Solanas Alfaro, europapress.es.