Report reveals accidents are one of the world’s deadliest public health challenges and the crisis is growing
Accidents are the 6th leading cause of death - a global tragedy in need of an international response
Every day, thousands of people across the globe lose their lives and suffer life-changing injuries in entirely preventable accidents. Each life lost or changed is a story cut short or forever altered, a family changed forever, and a community left grieving. At RoSPA, we believe that safety is a fundamental human right - one that should not depend on where you live.
Accidents affect us in all spheres of our lives
"This report presents RoSPA’s most wide-ranging analysis of global accident data to date. Its findings are stark: accidental deaths remain one of the world’s largest public health challenges, and the burden falls overwhelmingly on lower- and middle-income countries. The evidence brings to light the vital need for prevention solutions, keeping people safe from harm and allowing for communities across the world to flourish."
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Accidental and lifechanging injuries: A global tragedy
RoSPA’s vision is clear: an accident-free world. This report marks the beginning of the next stage in our global focus on safekeeping and injury prevention, and will be the foundation for our work to bring about urgent action from governments, businesses, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and international institutions, because a safer world is not only possible - it is essential.
Key findings
Accidents are one of the world’s deadliest public health challenges, and the crisis is growing:
- There were 3.1 million deaths in 2021, a rise of 8% since 2000
- They are the sixth leading cause of deaths worldwide
- 1 in every 20 deaths worldwide is the result of an accident
Inequality is a key factor in global accident rates:
- 92% of road traffic deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries, despite having just 60% of the world’s vehicles
- 94% of workplace deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries
- Drowning is concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, where 90% of deaths occur
A global call to action
In many countries, the relationship between accidents and economic development forms a vicious cycle. Reducing global accidents requires collaboration across governments, international organisations, businesses, NGOs and communities. It means:
Prioritising accident prevention in public health and development plans
Embedding safety in infrastructure design, urban planning and workplace regulation
Improving data collection to inform policy
Strengthening emergency response and trauma care
Investing in climate adaptation to reduce environmental risk
RoSPA’s century of experience shows that when prevention is prioritised, lives are saved and societies flourish. In an interconnected world, investment in safety contributes not only to reduced mortality but also to economic resilience, improved productivity, social justice and sustainable development.
Accidents don’t have to happen - and with the right commitment, millions of lives can be saved.
We propose a global commitment to break the accident–development cycle through prevention. By embedding safety in health, infrastructure, workplaces and climate adaptation; improving data; and strengthening emergency care, governments, businesses and communities can save lives, boost productivity, advance social justice and build resilient, sustainable societies worldwide for future generations globally.
Press office
For enquiries about our report, contact our press office
Call: +44 (0)121 248 2134 - lines open 24/7
Email: pressoffice@rospa.com
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