World · Europe · 12 hrs ago
Italy reports rising workplace deaths and injuries in first nine months of 2026
Italy recorded 589 workplace deaths from January to September 2026, according to figures from the national workplace accident insurance institute, INAIL.
The institute also recorded 325,525 work-related injuries, up 4.8% from the same period a year earlier, while deaths rose 3.3%.
These figures cover workers insured by INAIL, and other counts are higher: one tally lists 768 deaths, while a Bologna observatory counted 937 deaths at work by October 15, or 1,188 including journeys to and from work.
The commentary argues that workplace deaths receive too little public attention and says some fatal accidents involve workers whose jobs were not legally declared.
It calls for stronger inspections, more power for workplace safety representatives, action on insecure work and a new crime of workplace homicide.
The commentary urges stronger prevention and accountability, but it does not describe any government decision or next step.
Italy recorded 589 workplace deaths and 325,525 workplace injuries from January to September 2026, according to figures from INAIL cited by Il Fatto Quotidiano.
The article says deaths rose by 3.3% and non-fatal injuries by 4.8% compared with the same period a year earlier.
It says the INAIL figures cover only workers insured by the institute and cites higher counts from two other sources.
The commentary argues that workplace deaths receive too little media and political attention and calls for stronger prevention and worker protections.
- Who
- 589 people died and 325,525 were injured in workplace incidents, according to the figures cited.
- What
- Italy reported rising workplace deaths and injuries in the first nine months of 2026.
- When
- January to September 2026.
- Where
- At workplaces in Italy; the article also discusses incidents during commutes.
- Why
- Not stated as a cause of the rise. The commentary says precarious work and inadequate prevention need attention.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
INAIL figures cited in the article recorded 589 workplace deaths and 325,525 injuries.
The Bologna National Observatory on Workplace Deaths reported 937 deaths at workplaces, rising to 1,188 when commuting deaths were included.
Il Fatto Quotidiano published its commentary on the figures.
- Workplace deaths
- 589 from January to September 2026, according to INAIL
- Workplace injuries
- 325,525 from January to September 2026, according to INAIL
- Year-on-year change
- Deaths up 3.3%; non-fatal injuries up 4.8%
- Morti di Lavoro count
- 768 deaths, 179 more than the INAIL figure
- Bologna observatory count
- 937 workplace deaths by 15 October 2026; 1,188 including commuting deaths
What people are saying
Even indignation is selective.
The data from INAIL underestimate the daily slaughter.