Conflicting figures expose gaps in Greece's workplace safety records
Greece's workplace safety records are facing serious reliability concerns, with four different reporting systems producing widely divergent figures on occupational accidents and no designated national authority responsible for recording occupational diseases.
According to official data for 2024, the Labour Inspectorate recorded 14,388 workplace accidents, excluding agriculture, fishing and self-employed workers.
By comparison, the National Social Security Agency (EFKA) recorded 5,693 cases, the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) reported 4,999, while only 4,824 accidents were submitted to Eurostat.
The figures submitted at European level therefore account for approximately one-third of the cases recorded by the Labour Inspectorate, highlighting significant inconsistencies in the country's reporting system.
Occupational diseases remain largely unrecorded
The situation is even more problematic when it comes to occupational diseases.
Despite the existence of a full classification system for work-related illnesses, Greece has no designated agency responsible for receiving and recording relevant cases.
As a result, the country lacks comprehensive official data on occupational diseases, making it difficult to establish their prevalence and assess their impact on workers.
The Hellenic Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (ELINYAE) warned that these discrepancies prevent authorities from accurately assessing the scale of workplace risks and undermine efforts to improve occupational protection.
Experts call for unified reporting system
ELINYAE is calling for the establishment of a unified national system for recording workplace accidents and occupational diseases, alongside the creation of a dedicated occupational risk insurance body.
According to the institute, Greece is currently the only European Union member state without such an institution.
ELINYAE President Rena Bardani stressed that effectively addressing both emerging and traditional workplace hazards requires early prevention, reliable statistical data and stronger resilience among businesses and workers.
The institute's proposals aim to improve the monitoring of occupational risks, strengthen prevention policies and provide a more accurate picture of workplace safety conditions across Greece.
