VICTORIA, Seychelles — As the world marks World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the latest statistics from the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs paint a sobering picture for Seychelles. In 2023, the nation recorded 158 non-fatal occupational injuries — the highest number reported since 2015. This stark figure highlights the urgent need for improved workplace safety measures and greater awareness around occupational hazards. The data, compiled by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), shows a troubling trend.
After a steady decline in non-fatal injuries from 2015 (118 cases) through 2021 (41 cases), incidents surged in 2022 to 100, and then jumped sharply to 158 in 2023. Although the number of fatal injuries remained lower than in previous years, the spike in non-fatal cases indicates a significant lapse in preventive measures. The worst year for fatal incidents remains 2020, when five workers lost their lives due to occupational accidents, making it the deadliest year since 2015. Fatalities were consistently lower in other years, though each case represents a profound loss.
Speaking to the press, Roger Faure, managing director of Adam’s Construction, noted that his workers always make sure to wear their protective gear such as overalls, helmets and gloves, especially when mounting scaffoldings. ‘When they are grinding, they are using goggles and such. There are also other accessories which they make sure to take into consideration such as headphones to block out the ringing from their ears.’ The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed annually on April 28, calls on governments, employers, and workers to commit to proactive strategies that prevent accidents and illnesses at work.
