WILLEMSTAD – The number of registered workplace accidents in Curaçao increased by 10 percent in 2025, rising from 941 cases in 2024 to 1,031 cases, according to the annual report of the Social Insurance Bank (SVB).
SVB also recorded 42,388 consultations related to labor and health matters, a 3.6 percent increase compared to 40,911 in 2024. The most common causes of incapacity for work remained musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory complaints and pregnancy leave.
The report notes that peaks in January and March 2025 corresponded with higher levels of respiratory complaints registered by the public health service. Respiratory complaints were also the most common cause of incapacity for work.
SVB expanded a pilot program involving early physical checks for short-term sick leave. Six companies with a higher risk of short-term absenteeism were selected based on absence frequency, duration, sector characteristics and wage-loss costs. Workers in those companies had to report physically to SVB on the first and third sick day, instead of the usual first and fourth day.
According to SVB, the measure helped reduce the number of incapacity days per sickness case and lowered total wage-loss payments, making it an effective instrument in absenteeism control.