According to the Federal Agency for Occupational Risks (Fedris), the number of work accidents on the road has significantly increased compared to one year before. In 2022, Belgium registered almost 35 daily work-related road accidents, 17% more than in 2021, or 12 712. Most of those accidents occurred in Flanders – one-quarter in the province of Antwerp alone, and 8,3% in Limburg.

The Fedris report also shows that more people are cycling because the number of accidents involving commuting cyclists rose to an absolute record level last year – with 3 656 cyclists involved. In addition, there were another 428 accidents involving e-scooters, or more than one per day. In reality, there will probably be even more.

Safety clothing and helmets

The fact that more and more cyclists and e-scooters are involved in accidents should be a signal to employers, says the Christian union. “Employers have every interest  in ensuring that employees arrive safe and sound at work or home.” The Christian union suggests that employers could provide safety clothing or helmets, for instance.

The Fedris report also indicates that professional drivers – truck drivers or sales representatives –  do better. The number of accidents in this category increased only slightly and remained 23,5 percent below the figures from 2019. As a result, the total number of traffic accidents remains below the pre-corona level of 2019.