The Costs of Work-related Injury and Disease in Austria

Work can have positive health effects in many ways, but it can also be a trigger for illnesses and health problems. In addition to human suffering, occupational accidents, illnesses and deaths cause high economic costs for the individuals concerned and their families, as well as for companies, the health and social system and society as a whole.

A quantification of these costs is necessary and useful to estimate the magnitude of the problem and to raise awareness. It also provides an important basis for policy-makers and stakeholders to develop measures to improve occupational safety and health and to promote the efficient allocation of resources.

Based on a methodology proposed by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), WIFO has carried out a comprehensive estimate of the costs of occupational accidents, work-related illnesses and deaths in Austria. In this approach, not only cost items such as medical costs and loss of value added are quantified, but also other, often overlooked consequences of accidents and illnesses are addressed, such as presenteeism, restrictions in household production and so-called "intangible" costs. The cost estimate is thus more comprehensive and also better internationally comparable than previous calculations.