In the construction sector 50% of fatal accidents in Cyprus
The International Labor Organization (ILO) figures on occupational accidents and diseases are shocking: It is estimated that a worker dies every 15 seconds, while 2 million people die in occupational accidents and diseases worldwide every year . 270,000,000 occupational accidents and 160,000,000 incidents of occupational diseases are calculated.
In the EU, according to official data from Eurostat, 3,355 fatal occupational accidents at workplaces were recorded in 2020, while non-fatal accidents reached 2.7 million, for the same year. Cyprus also counts deaths from occupational accidents, with official statistical data recording 16 deaths in 2020, 5 in 2021 and 9 in 2022. The total number of occupational accidents for 2020 amounted to 1527, for 2021 to 1433 and for 2022 to 1335.
From further statistical analysis of the data in Cyprus, it appears that the construction sector holds the lead in terms of serious occupational accidents with 50% of fatal accidents involving the construction sector. For 2021, the majority of occupational accidents involved unskilled workers, small professionals and handymen, while, as can be seen in the available statistical data, falls from a height are among the main accidents in the construction sector. In particular, in 2021, 64 accidents were recorded due to a fall from a height greater than or equal to 2 meters, 36 of which involved the construction sector.
The ILO has established April 28 as “World Day for Health and Safety at Work”, with the aim of focusing international attention on the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases.
The Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK) and the Civil Engineers Association of Cyprus (SPOLMIK), promoting the creation of a culture of accident prevention in the workplace and contributing to the Vision Zero initiative of the International Social Security Organization, proceeded with an information and awareness campaign about Safety and Health in the workplace. The campaign started on Monday, April 24 and culminates today, Friday, April 28, which is World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
“The message that the International Labor Organization wants to send this year – International Labor Office (ILO), is: “A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and a right to work” says the President of ETEK, Mr. Konstantinos Constantis, emphasizing that the aim of the campaign is to raise awareness and highlight the importance of ensuring professional safety and health. “Prevention is key in this direction,” he said. He additionally emphasized that the Chamber will continue to take initiatives aimed at raising the awareness of employers and employees. Mr. Konstantis appeals, especially to the members – ETEK engineers to place safety and health issues high on their priorities and to apply the principles of prevention in their every action and decision. At the same time, it calls on every employer to faithfully observe the relevant Laws and Regulations.
A relevant video was prepared as part of the campaign.with recipients both the involved bodies in the construction sector and the general public. The video has already been submitted for participation in the international competition “International Media Festival for Prevention 2023” which is organized by the ISSA Organization, as part of the World Conference on Safety and Health at Work to be held in Sydney, Australia in November 2023.
“Safety and health in the workplace is a human right” indicated from her side the President of the Association of Civil Engineers, Mrs. Evagelitsa Tsoulofta. He stated that the purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness of occupational safety and health issues, with the main objective of creating a culture of prevention. He added that the campaign is part of the global initiative Vision Zero – Zero Accidents of the International Social Security Organization. He noted that in addition to the human suffering and cost of accidents to victims and their families, the state and businesses incur significant financial costs. At the same time, investment in prevention has a return of 2.2%, according to a study by the European Agency for Safety and Health (EU-OSHA). It was additionally mentioned at the 8th International Conference and Exhibition of Equipment and Services for Safety and Health in Construction Projects organized by SPOLMIK with the support of ETEK, on May 26-27, 2023, with the theme “Respect Human Rights – Everyone has a Role to Play' and slogan 'Focus on People'. The purpose of the Conference is to protect and strengthen respect for human rights and focus on people, in order to achieve the vision of “Zero Accidents”.
