Most fatal work-related accidents in Cyprus take place in the Constructions sector and are due to fall from a height, according to a study conducted by the CERIDES research team, in coordination with the Department of Labour Inspection.
The results of the study were presented at a press conference on Monday.
The study looks into all work-related accidents in Cyprus from 1999 to 2020. Its goal, according to the researchers, is to use its findings, in order to “explore our knowledge and better understand the combined factors that can lead to a workplace accident, while revisiting our policy and actions as a country”.
The findings of the study, which examined 28,000 accidents, show that work-related accidents happen in the Processing sector by 22.65%, in Constructions by 20.5%, in the hospitality sector by 18.52% and in wholesale and retail trade by 12.6%. However, the stakes are much higher in the constructions sector for fatal accidents, with a 38.36%.
Furthermore, analyzing the causes of the accidents, the research showed that 33% of them were due to a fall. In addition, it is noted that all fatal occupational accidents caused by a fall from a height involved men.
Another notable finding of the survey was that 1 in 14 workplace accidents and 1 in 8 fatal workplace accidents takes place on a Saturday.
At the same time, the study found that 45% of accidents in Accommodation and Catering Services involved 18-19 year-olds. In the Construction sector, 50% of accidents involved people aged 65 and over. In fatal accidents, 25% of 20-24 year-olds were from agriculture, forestry and fishing, while 40% were from constructions.
Moreover, according to the findings, 77% of occupational accidents involved men. The rate for fatal occupational accidents rises to 96%.
In addition, 43% of fatal accidents concerned foreigners, with an increased probability for foreigners coming from third countries.
It is noted that Cyprus has the fifth lowest accident rate in the EU, recording 535 accidents per 100,000 people.
In an address delivered on his behalf by Labour Inspection Department acting director Marios Kourtellis, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Kyriacos Koushos, noted that information on safety and health at work is a matter to which the Ministry attaches great importance.
He said that this marks the start of Occupational Safety and Health Week, at a European level, which aims to enlighten and inform about ways to ensure the health and safety of workers and the sustainable growth of businesses.
Source: Cyprus News Agency