Companies ordered to improve construction site safety

Companies have been ordered to improve safety at construction sites following a spate of accidents. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has told them they are not doing enough to ensure worker safety.

According to a ministry report, 28 workers have been killed or injured in industrial accidents this year. But a ministry source said the figure underestimates the real situation. "There are many workers who face danger during their work but do not report accidents unless they are serious."

The survey, conducted by the Industrial Security Section of the Labour Inspection Department, said companies should report all injuries and accidents. The report said accurate figures were important to establish a clear picture of industrial safety and to help determine what measures must be taken to reduce accidents.

Inspectors have inspected 640 industrial sites to ensure they are applying the 1980 Federal Law covering worker safety and hygiene standards. According to the report, some companies do not take proper safety precautions. They have been warned and will be inspected again to ensure safety rules have been implemented.