Foreign workers bear brunt of Italy’s rising workplace death toll

ROME -- Reported deaths at work among foreign workers in Italy rose by more than a quarter in the first nine months of 2026, while deaths among Italian workers fell, provisional figures released Tuesday by state workplace accident insurer INAIL show.

  The agency received reports of 158 deaths during work among foreign workers, compared with 125 a year earlier. Deaths reported among Italian workers fell from 445 to 431.

  Including deaths during commuting to and from work, the provisional toll reached 810, up from 777 in the same period last year.

  Agriculture, construction and hospitality employ large numbers of foreign workers. Earlier INAIL research has highlighted the physical demands of some of these jobs, including lifting heavy loads, working in awkward positions and carrying out strenuous tasks for long periods.

  Language barriers and insecure employment can make it harder for migrant workers to protect themselves on the job. INAIL has also raised concerns about inadequate safety training and the risks of workplace accidents and occupational illnesses.

  Breaches involving safety training and information accounted for almost a third of the violations identified by the National Labour Inspectorate between July and September, more than any other category, according to the Labour Ministry.

  Giuseppe Gigante, INAIL’s regional director for Lombardy, has called for training that overcomes language and cultural barriers. INAIL published his comments on Oct. 26 when announcing an agreement with construction employers.

  “Training must also be inclusive and accessible,” Gigante said, “capable of effectively reaching all workers, including foreign workers.”

aje