Tunisia: Occupational diseases surge 25% as garment sector suffers

Tunisia's workforce is facing a worrying decline in health, with a significant 25.1% increase in declared occupational diseases in 2023. The national tally reached 3,524 cases, according to the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (ISST).

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The health of Tunisian workers is undergoing a worrying deterioration.

Musculoskeletal disorders and respiratory illnesses are the primary culprits, making up 90% of all reported pathologies. The garment industry stands out as especially vulnerable, accounting for 42% of occupational diseases within the sector, with 1,481 cases in 2023 compared to 871 in 2021. Workplace accidents in this sector also saw a continuous rise, exceeding 10% of the national total.

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The garment sector proves particularly vulnerable, accumulating 42% of occupational diseases in the sector with 1,481 cases in 2023.

Geographically, the crisis is concentrated in the Sahel region. The governorates of Sousse, Monastir, and Mahdia, due to their high industrial density, are home to 51% of the country's occupational diseases. Monastir leads the nation with 405 companies in this sector.

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The Sahel region is geographically where this health crisis is concentrated.

Health authorities are stressing the urgent need for targeted preventive interventions. These aim to improve workplace safety and ergonomics to combat the alarming health indicators affecting Tunisian workers.

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Health authorities insist on the absolute urgency of deploying targeted preventive interventions to secure facilities and improve workplace ergonomics.