The number of reports of suspected occupational illnesses fell by more than 60 percent in 2023. The number of recognized occupational diseases also fell accordingly to 72,747 (minus 63.5 percent). This is according to preliminary figures from the German Social Accident Insurance Institutions for the past year published by their association, the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). “This decline is almost entirely due to coronavirus,” says DGUV Director General Dr. Stefan Hussy. “The accident insurance institutions are now receiving significantly fewer reports of suspected occupational coronavirus infections among employees.” A regular special survey on COVID-19 as an occupational disease revealed that 64,733 suspected cases were reported last year. In the same period, employers’ liability insurance associations and accident insurance funds recognized 53,592 cases. This was significantly fewer than in previous years. Dr. Hussy: “This decline follows the general trend in the incidence of infection and is therefore not surprising.”