Nicosia, Cyprus. PEO said it was deeply saddened by the death of a construction worker who fell from an under-construction apartment block in Lakatamia, and blamed weaknesses in workplace oversight.
Fatal fall at construction site
The 43-year-old third-country national died on Tuesday after falling from an under-construction apartment block in Lakatamia. PEO extended condolences to the worker’s family.
Concerns over labour inspection staffing
PEO said the incident highlighted ongoing weaknesses in workplace safety, particularly the chronic understaffing of the labour inspection department. The union said this creates a serious gap in effective monitoring, meaning “serious and substantial control cannot be exercised, leaving employers free to put profit above human life”.
Calls for training and union representation
Citing what it described as the growing frequency of workplace accidents, PEO stressed the need for systematic training on safety and health issues. It said workplaces lacking trade union representation see more occupational accidents, leaving workers unprotected and vulnerable to employer exploitation, increased workloads, and breaches of basic safety and health regulations.
Focus on young and migrant workers
PEO said young and migrant workers from third countries should receive at least basic accelerated training in safety and health matters, combined with recognised vocational training standards.
Union response
PEO said the worker died “unjustly, in the fight for his daily wage”, adding that the incident was not a random accident. “This tragic event is not an ‘unfortunate event’,” the union said, attributing it to inadequate safety measures, employer indifference, and the devaluation of human life for temporary profit. PEO said it would continue to act “with determination to ensure a safe working environment”.
What steps do you think should be prioritised to improve safety oversight at construction sites?