This paper discusses the results of studies, which were carried out in the Institute of Occupational Safety Engineering at Tampere University of Technology (TUT) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) during 2001–2004. The objective was to estimate the number of occupational accidents that caused death or at least three days’ absence from work. The estimates were based on the figures gathered from selected ILO member states. This paper discusses also how globalization has affected occupational accidents trend in developing and developed regions.