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Occupational Injuries in the Agro-Industrial Sector of Ukraine in Peacetime and Wartime

Occupational Injuries in the Agro-Industrial Sector of Ukraine in Peacetime and Wartime

ISSN 2223-6775 Ukrainian journal of occupational health Vol.22, No 1, 2026

https://doi.org/10.33573/ujoh2026.01.003

Occupational injuries in the agro-industrial sector of Ukraine in peacetime and wartime.

A.M. Nagorna¹, M.O. Radionov2

1SI "Kundiiev Institute of Occupational Health of NAMS of Ukraine", Kyiv

2State Labor Service of Ukraine, Kyiv

Full article (PDF), UKR

Introduction. Despite global efforts to improve occupational safety and health, workers remain exposed to significant risks due to hazardous working conditions, industrial accidents, crises, and changes in employment patterns. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are among the most hazardous sectors, accounting for a substantial proportion of fatal occupational injuries worldwide. High levels of informal employment in agriculture further complicate injury prevention and control.

The aim of the research – to identify the characteristics of occupational injuries among workers in the agro-industrial complex (AIC) in Ukraine and to determine approaches to their prevention in peacetime and wartime.

Materials and methods of the research. The study was based on a continuous statistical analysis of primary records of occupational injuries (Form H-1/P) in Ukraine for 2020–2024 among AIC workers, using data from the State Labor Service of Ukraine and the State Statistics Service.

Results. The AIC remains one of the most injury-prone sectors. Over the past five years, 1,902 occupational injuries were registered, including 366 fatal cases (19.2 ± 0.9%). During wartime, the frequency of both total and fatal injuries per 100,000 workers in agriculture remained among the highest compared to other sectors, largely due to the impact of hostilities. Major causes include transport-related incidents, falls, falling objects, moving machinery parts, electric shock, and war-related hazards such as explosions and demining activities.

Conclusions. Occupational injuries in the agro-industrial sector of Ukraine remain a significant problem, particularly under wartime conditions. A relatively high proportion of fatal injuries and a low ratio of non-fatal to fatal cases suggest possible underreporting and limitations in injury surveillance. The high level of informal employment further complicates prevention and control measures. The findings highlight the need to strengthen occupational safety systems, improve injury reporting, and develop targeted preventive measures, including those addressing war-related risks.

Key words: agro-industrial complex, occupational injuries, injury surveillance, wartime risks, prevention

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