DSAL reports 3,897 workplace accident victims, four deaths

[Photo: Renato Marques]

The city’s cultural and recreational services sector and its hotel and restaurant industry accounted for more than half of all workplace accident victims recorded in the first nine months of the year, as authorities reported nearly 3,900 workers injured and four fatalities.

A total of 3,897 workers suffered occupational accidents between January and September, a 0.85% increase from the same period last year, according to figures released by the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL).

Four workers died, while seven sustained permanent disabilities. The latter figure marked a sharp decline from the 71 cases recorded in the first nine months of 2025, representing a 90% decrease.

Another 3,886 workers suffered temporary disabilities, including 478 who returned to work on the day of their accidents.

The bureau said no violations of occupational safety and health regulations had been identified in the four fatal cases. However, the findings remain subject to revision depending on court rulings.

Falls were the most frequently recorded cause of workplace injuries, accounting for 1,040 cases, or nearly 27% of the total. These included 210 falls from height and 830 falls on level ground.

Workers being caught in or between objects accounted for another 762 cases, while excessive physical effort or incorrect movements caused 656 injuries. A further 586 incidents involved workers walking into or striking objects.

The figures also included 182 injuries involving means of transport. Of these, 122 occurred while workers were carrying out their duties, while 60 involved employer-provided transportation during commutes to or from work.

Other reported causes included falling objects, which injured 181 workers; exposure to extreme temperatures, affecting 122; and animal-related injuries, involving 48. Exposure to hazardous substances or radiation accounted for 43 cases, while eight workers were injured through contact with electric current.

Women accounted for more workplace accident victims than men, according to the bureau. By age, workers between 25 and 44 made up the largest group, with 2,130 cases, followed by those aged 45 to 64, who accounted for 1,419.

The cultural and recreational activities, lotteries and other services sector recorded the highest number of victims, at 1,213, or about 31% of the total. Hotels, restaurants and similar businesses followed with 986 cases, representing about 25%.

Wholesale and retail trade recorded 262 victims, while real estate activities and business services accounted for 259.

By occupation, administrative employees were the largest group affected, with 895 cases. Service workers, salespeople and related occupations accounted for 819, followed by unskilled workers with 683 and technicians and associate professionals with 404.

Separately, the bureau opened 1,255 investigations involving the same number of workers during the nine-month period.

Investigations resulted in 23 administrative offense cases, all of which have been prosecuted and fined a combined MOP158,500. Authorities also identified one contravention offense across two cases, resulting in total fines of MOP4,000.

The bureau reminded employers that they are legally required to purchase workplace accident insurance for every employee and report all occupational accidents, regardless of the severity of the injuries.

Both local and non-resident workers are entitled to compensation under the law, including two-thirds of their wages for the period they are unable to work, medical expenses and statutory compensation for disability or death resulting from workplace accidents.