Official reports from the Iranian Statistics Center reveal a grim picture. At least 548 people died in work-related accidents during fall 2023. Combined with figures from spring and summer, this brings the total workplace fatalities in Iran to 1,625 for the first nine months of 2023.
These deaths are attributed to a multitude of factors, including a lack of workplace safety due to lax supervision, psychological strain from low wages and inadequate government support, delayed wage payments, excessive work hours, and more. Statistics show an average of at least five daily work-related deaths in Iran in 2023.
Discrepancies in Reporting Hinder Transparency
A significant challenge lies in the inconsistency of workplace accident statistics in Iran. Various sources, including the Statistics Center, the Ministry of Cooperation, Labor and Social Welfare, and the Forensic Medicine Organization, publish conflicting figures, often with wide discrepancies.
Media reports and information from labor activists, based on observations and unofficial sources, further diverge from the regime’s data. For instance, the Forensic Medicine Organization reported 1,900 worker deaths in 2022, while the Ministry of Labor drastically downplayed this number, claiming only 711 fatalities.
The Ministry of Labor consistently attempts to minimize worker deaths, portraying the national rate as “low” compared to the global average.
Construction Sector Faces Heightened Risks
Published reports indicate that construction workers in Iran bear the brunt of workplace injuries, disabilities, and deaths. Unsafe work environments contribute significantly to this grim reality.
The Forensic Medicine Organization previously reported that falls from heights were the leading cause of workplace fatalities in 2022, accounting for nearly half (45.3%) of deaths, with a 1.3% increase compared to 2021. This trend continued in the first half of 2023, with falling from heights claiming 498 lives.
Data from the Forensic Medicine Organization reveals a disturbing rise in workplace accident fatalities. The first six months of 2023 saw 1,777 deaths, a 15.7% increase compared to the 931 fatalities recorded during the same period in 2022.
Iran Lags in Worker Safety Standards
Compared to other countries, Iran’s commitment to workplace safety falls short. The nation ranks a concerning 102nd globally in terms of adhering to labor safety regulations. Consequently, the death rate for Iranian workers surpasses the global average.
