Preliminary data from Brazil for the first half of 2025 shows a rise in workplace accidents and fatalities, with nearly 380,400 accidents and around 1,700 deaths recorded by mid-year. Sectors such as construction, transportation, and the chemical industry are among the most affected.
This increase of approximately 9% in accidents and 5.6% in fatalities compared to the same period in 2024 reinforces a growth trend seen in recent years. Even so, many occurrences fail to be recorded as occupational accidents.
The SmartLab Digital Observatory for Health and Safety at Work recorded over 8.8 million workplace accident notifications in the country between 2012 and 2024. These occupational accidents also impact public funds. Between 2018 and 2022, more than 770,000 furloughed workers began receiving social security benefits, which totaled over R$ 54 billion in occupational accident allowances and pensions paid by the INSS.
Investing in continuous training, proper PPE utilization, and constant supervision is essential to protect lives and cut costs related to medical leaves and compensation. Prevention saves lives and reinforces the company’s safety culture.
