Nicosia, Cyprus. The Labour Inspection Department will focus on preventing falls from height in the coming months after three serious workplace accidents in recent days, two of which were fatal.
Construction sector and accident data
Labour Inspection Department director Aristodemos Economides told the Cyprus News Agency on Friday that in 2025 the construction sector accounted for 18 per cent of all workplace accidents. Trade unions SEK and PEO said construction also recorded the highest number of fatal incidents.
Inspection capacity and workplace coverage
Economides said the department carries out around 5,000 worksite inspections per year, while there are approximately 130,000 workplaces across the island, including 10,000 construction sites. He added that the same data is true across Europe and that more inspectors would help.
Employer responsibility and inspection priorities
Economides said responsibility for worksite safety lies with the employer, adding: “You can’t have an inspector for every worksite.” He said the department focuses on areas where the problem is more acute.
Sector breakdown and inspection planning
Of the 5,000 annual inspections, 3,000 are conducted in the construction sector. Manufacturing accounts for 17.7 per cent of workplace accidents, hotels and catering 17.5 per cent, trade 14 per cent and transport 8.7 per cent. Economides said inspection planning places emphasis on sectors with the most accidents.
Scope of inspections and cooperation
The department inspects all workplaces regardless of whether they hold a valid permit. It also cooperates with the fire brigade on fire protection issues, particularly at large facilities where chemicals are handled.
Trends in workplace accidents
Despite recent incidents, workplace accidents decreased by 6.9 per cent in 2025 compared with 2024, by 32 per cent since 2020 and by 67.3 per cent since 2005.
What steps do you think employers should prioritise to reduce falls from height at worksites?
