Abstract
The aim of this review is to look at the future of occupational accidents by analysing a Finnish Delphi and a British scenario study on the future of occupational safety and health. We then present occupational injury trends from all around the world: Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, and North America. The connection between economic booms and occupational injury rates was analysed on the basis of five studies from Europe and the United States. We also briefly assess violence at the workplaces. Then we hypothesize on the future trends of occupational accidents. Based on a review of the literature, we draw three conclusions. The first concerns the development of occupational injuries in post-industrialized countries. The second addresses the increase of occupational injuries in industrialized countries. The third conclusion suggests that violence at workplaces will increase in service societies.