Accidental deaths report outlines global scale of the problem
Accidents were the sixth leading cause of death worldwide, with 3.1 million people killed in 2021.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has published Accidental deaths and life-changing injuries: A global tragedy, produced in partnership with L’Oréal and Xylem.
The report found that 1 in 20 deaths globally were caused by accidents.
It calculated this as more than 8,000 deaths every day.
The analysis draws on data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international sources.
Accidental deaths concentrated in lower and middle income countries
The report shows that people in lower and middle income countries face far higher risks of dying in accidents than those in wealthier nations.
Road traffic collisions account for 1.2 million deaths each year.
Low and middle income countries represent 92% of road deaths despite having 60% of the world’s vehicles.
Workplace accidents kill an estimated 315,000 people annually.
Lower and middle income countries account for 94% of these workplace deaths, with the highest rates recorded in Africa and Asia.
Workers are almost three times more likely to die in a workplace accident in Asia than in Europe and nearly four times more likely in Africa.
Agriculture records the highest number of deaths of any sector.
The report also found that 80% of deaths among working age adults occur outside the workplace, with road traffic collisions, falls, drownings and fires identified as leading causes.
Poor infrastructure, weaker regulation and inconsistent enforcement were identified as key factors behind these inequalities.
Economic impact and calls for prevention investment
Beyond the human toll, the report links accidents to reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs, particularly in developing economies.
It describes how this can contribute to a cycle of lower economic growth, reduced incomes and limited investment in accident prevention.
Rebecca Hickman, Chief Executive at RoSPA, said: “Every day, thousands of people around the world are killed or seriously injured in preventable accidents.
“Each death or injury devastates families and communities.
“At RoSPA, we believe safety is a fundamental human right – one that should not depend on where you live.
“These findings are stark: accidental deaths remain a major public health challenge, with lower- and middle- income countries facing the heaviest burdens.
“RoSPA’s vision is an accident-free world.
“This report provides a foundation for global action by governments, businesses, NGOs, and international institutions to act, because a safer world is not only possible, it is essential.”
Malcolm Staves, Global Vice President of Health and Safety at L’Oréal, said: “Each year, millions of individuals tragically lose their lives, sustain permanent injuries, or develop long-term diseases due to unsafe and unhealthy environments, both within and outside the workplace.
“These perilous conditions often stem from a complex interplay of underlying causes, including governance gaps, deficient legislative frameworks, a pervasive lack of awareness or knowledge, insufficient resources, and a weak culture of prevention, both within workplaces and across society at large.
“Our partnership with RoSPA provides health, safety and wellbeing information and support to a wider community.”
Autumn Crum, Director of Environment, Health and Safety at Xylem, said: “True safety leadership is caring for people and proactively addressing risk wherever it exists.
“With RoSPA’s Global Accident Data Initiative, we’re helping turn data into action to better protect people, families and communities around the world.”
RoSPA said the findings support its call for increased global investment in accident prevention.