Addressing the High Incidence of Workplace Accidents
In a sobering reminder of the risks associated with certain industries, the Technical Chamber Etek has highlighted a concerning trend in workplace safety. Since 2021, thirty people have tragically lost their lives on the job, and over 4,000 have sustained injuries while at work. These figures were shared by Etek’s president, Constantinos Constantis, in light of the World Day of Safety and Health at Work.
Delving into the specifics, Constantis pointed out that the construction sector is particularly prone to incidents, representing 42 percent of workplace accidents. Machinery-related accidents are also significant, comprising 22.6 percent of the total. A year-by-year breakdown reveals a slight decrease in overall accidents but underscores a persistent fatal risk: 16 deaths in 2020, five in 2021, and nine in 2022.
Constantis expressed concern over the high numbers recorded in Cyprus, advocating for a concerted effort towards achieving zero occupational accidents. He emphasized that this is an attainable goal with collective commitment. Additionally, he shed light on how climate change factors into workplace safety, exacerbating risks such as heat stress, ultraviolet radiation, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
With a call to action, Etek urges its members to adhere strictly to safety regulations and implement all necessary precautions to prevent such incidents. Constantis underscored the importance of employer responsibilities, including staff training, providing appropriate equipment, and adapting work schedules—like altering summer hours—to enhance safety and health in the workplace.
Moreover, cultivating a culture of safety, increasing on-the-spot checks, and enforcing stricter penalties for safety violations were highlighted as critical measures. Constantis concluded with a powerful reminder: “
