Dangerous rise in workplace accidents in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
A concerning increase in workplace accidents—particularly fatal ones—was recorded in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (EMT) in 2023, according to provisional data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). While Greece as a whole saw a 3% decrease in total workplace accidents compared to 2022, EMT reported a 5.2% rise. Even more alarming was the tripling of fatal incidents: from just two in 2022 to seven in 2023, representing a 250% surge—all involving male workers.
In total, EMT registered 283 workplace accidents in 2023, up from 268 in 2022. Of these, 200 involved male workers and 82 involved female workers. While the overall increase may appear modest, it contrasts sharply with the national trend and the performance of other regions such as Epirus and Western Greece, which recorded significant declines. The most striking figure, however, is the spike in fatalities: seven deaths in EMT in 2023, matching the number recorded in Attica—a region with five times the total number of workplace accidents (1,424).
This increase places EMT among the four most deadly regions for workers in 2023, alongside Central Macedonia (13 deaths), Thessaly (8), and Attica (7). The spike raises serious concerns, especially given that it cannot be explained by population size or total accident numbers. It casts a spotlight on working conditions and the effectiveness of occupational safety measures in the region.
ELSTAT data also reveals that, on a national level, most fatal incidents occurred among workers aged 50 to 64.
