Claims with respect to non-fatal occupational accidents in the fourth quarter last year increased by 80 cases compared to the same period in 2012. One man died in an accident at work.

Administrative data provided by the Department of Social Security indicates that between

October and December, 772 persons had a non-fatal occupational accident.

This was 11.6 per cent more than in the same quarter in 2012. The manufacturing sector recorded the highest number of accidents - 24 per cent of the total. Accidents were also common in construction (13.5 per cent) and transport and storage activities (10.9 per cent).

When compared to 2012, non-fatal accidents in administrative and support services activities increased by 39, while a decrease of 10 cases was recorded within the human health and social work activities.

The largest share of accidents involved persons in craft and related trades, followed by those working in elementary occupations.

Wounds and superficial injuries, as well as dislocations, sprains and strains, were the most common types of injuries sustained, amounting to 334 and 190, respectively.

Nearly 44 per cent of all injuries at work affected the upper extremities of the body while 22 per cent involved injuries to the lower extremities of the body.

A total 27.1 per cent of injury claims concerned persons aged between 25 and 34.