Occupational safety in focus: Digital change brings new challenges!

International Day for Safety and Health at Work is celebrated on April 28, 2025. Every year, the UN labor organization ILO remembers the three million workers who die from work-related accidents and illnesses. In the run-up to this important initiative, the ver.di union highlighted the urgency of better occupational safety.

Current figures show that the number of fatal workplace accidents in Germany was 351 in 2024, representing a decrease of 30 compared to the previous year. In addition, around 750,000 reportable work accidents were registered, which corresponds to a decrease of 4.4% compared to 2023. The number of commuting accidents amounted to 173,488, also a decrease of 5.9%.

Psychological stress at work

However, Ver.di warns that psychological stress in the workplace is increasing. Stress, burnout, harassment and insecurity are identified as increasing problems, while psychosocial risks are common but poorly regulated. Digitalization is also changing the requirements for occupational safety, as automation and intelligent instruments influence working conditions.

In order to counteract the growing problem of mental health in the working environment, sustainable prevention measures and regular monitoring of workplace risks are necessary. Compliance with statutory risk assessments is required and there are proposals for stronger sanctions for corresponding violations. The World Day aims to support the prevention of occupational accidents and work-related illnesses and to emphasize safety measures and health promotion in the world of work.

Additionally, the importance of mental health in the workplace is highlighted. As described on the BMAS website, the change in the world of work and digitalization is leading to increasing stress on employees. These developments can have negative effects on their health and work results. Employers must ensure that work does not make people sick and are required to carry out risk assessments, including psychological stress.

The Mental Health Offensive, initiated by BMAS, BMG and BMFSFJ in collaboration with over 50 institutions, aims to strengthen prevention in Germany and address the issue of mental health more broadly. The need for individual support offers is emphasized, as preventive measures alone are not enough. Open conversations about psychological problems and early help for those affected should be promoted in order to improve the visibility and findability of prevention offers, such as ver.di and BMAS report.