Injury risk in foreign workers: a proposal for a prevention plan in South Tuscany

Abstract Background There are nearly 2.3 million foreign workers in Italy, many of whom hold low-skilled and heavy jobs that expose them to greater safety risks. The aim of the study is to analyze data on the accident phenomenon by using information flows from the national work accident insurance institute, in order to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment. Methods The total number of foreign workers’ accidents in the South Tuscany during the five-year period 2017-2021 was quantified. General injury trend was assessed, breaking down the events by province (Siena, Arezzo, Grosseto), year of occurrence and severity. We analyzed the events by nationality of the injured ones and by severity of compartment. Results A total of 38,254 occupational accidents were recorded, of which 6,172 (16.13%) occurred to foreign workers. Compared to the incidence of foreigners residing in the reference territory, the accident figure is 16.13% out of the 10.5% resident population. The majority involve people from Eastern Europe (60.8%). The most representative nationalities are: Romania (1,477 events), Albania (1,022), Morocco (404), Macedonia (341), Kosovo (264), Tunisia (190) and India (170). Romanian workers are the population most affected by occupational injuries in Southeast Tuscany with 1,477 events. Agriculture is the predominant sector with 17.7% of total injuries. Conclusions Information flows on foreign workers’ accidents is the starting point for specific design of prevention plans (supervision, assistance, research, information and training, awareness raising) aimed at reducing specific accident risk factors. Language and cultural differences represent an element of possible conditioning of risk perception, which must be considered in an effective design of safety training courses for foreigners. Key messages • The study of accident information flows of foreign workers provides the basis for specific design of prevention plans in order to reduce accident risk factors. • Language and cultural differences must be considered in an effective design of safety training courses for foreigners.