Occupational injuries 2025: Fewer accidents, but an increase in mental health

The latest report on occupational injuries* from the Swedish Work Environment Authority, which was published before the summer, provides a clear insight into where the risks lie and how occupational injuries change over time. In 2025, approximately 38,900 work-related accidents with absence due to illness were reported, which is a reduction of 3 per cent compared to the previous year.  

Increase in fatalities

Despite the overall reduction in accidents, the number of fatalities increased in 2025. A total of 45 people died in occupational accidents (of which 35 men and 10 women), which is five more than in 2024. In February 2025, several people were murdered in a shooting at Risbergska School in Örebro. Seven people, of whom six were women, were at work at the time and are included in the statistics of fatal occupational accidents. Historically, construction and transport/storage continue to be the industries with the most lost lives in the period 2016-2025.  

From physical cases to psychosocial pressure

The most striking change in the statistics is the shift from physical to psychosocial injuries. The number of reported occupational illnesses has increased sharply by no less than 29 percent.  
Today, “organisational and social factors” are by far the most common cause of occupational illnesses for both men and women (55% of all reports). Particularly serious is the fact that reports connected to a high pace of work and high workload increased by nearly 40% during the year, which means that we are now at the highest level in 20 years.

At-risk industries and professions

Statistics point to certain sectors as particularly vulnerable:

• Transportation and storage conditions: Among women, the Transport and Warehousing industry had the highest number of reported occupational accidents with sick leave per 1,000 employees in 2025.
• Water supply and disposal: Among men, the Water supply, sewage treatment, waste management, etc. industry had the highest number of reported occupational accidents with sick leave per 1,000 employees in 2025.
• Construction and logistics: Among men, professions such as construction woodworkers, interior carpenters and forklift drivers stand out with a high relative frequency of accidents. Among women, truck and haulage drivers had the highest number of reported occupational accidents with sick leave per 1,000 employees.

When it comes to the cause of work accidents, “loss of control over tools, machines or vehicles” is the most common deviation for men, while “falling of a person” is most common among women. 

Young men are particularly vulnerable

The report underlines the need for increased focus on new employees. Men aged 16-24 continue to have the highest relative frequency of occupational accidents with sick leave. This highlights the importance of structured introduction and mentoring to prevent accidents from happening early in working life. 
For full statistics, read the full report on occupational injuries 2025: Occupational injuries 2025 
 
*Injury resulting from an accident or other occupational health hazard. There are three different types of work-related injuries:  
• Occupational accident (with and without sick leave) 
• Occupational illness  
• Commuting accidents