The minister responsible for occupational safety, Ursula Nonnemacher (Greens), announced the figures during a company visit to Wustermark (Havelland). An accident at work must be reported if an insured person is killed in an accident or is injured so severely that they are unable to work for more than three days.
Sectors affected to varying degrees
The highest proportion of these accidents last year occurred at 15.4 percent in wood and metal processing companies. 13.7 percent of accidents occurred in administration. This is followed by trade and goods logistics (11.6 percent), construction (10.9 percent) and agriculture/horticulture (8.3 percent).
The rate of reportable work-related accidents per 1,000 employees fell from 19.6 to 18.8 in 2023 compared to the previous year. According to the ministry, Brandenburg is getting closer to the national rate of 18.3 (2022: 18.6).
As it was also said, compared to the rest of the country, Brandenburg has an above-average number of micro and small businesses in sectors that are particularly dangerous and accident-prone, such as construction, forestry and agriculture. These structures presented a particular challenge for occupational safety.
Minister: Every accident at work is one too many
“In the past 15 years, the number of reportable work accidents has decreased significantly both nationally and nationally, even though the number of employees has increased,” explained Nonnemacher. “That’s good news. But one thing is clear: every single accident at work is one too many and is often associated with great human suffering for those affected.”
All employers are therefore called upon to consistently implement the legal regulations. But all employees must also adhere to occupational safety regulations. “Safety and health at work must be everyone’s top priority.”
