The majority of work accidents occur in building trade. Approximately 1,300 workers die at building sites in the European Union per year. The situation in Slovenia is also worrisome. Seven casualties were reported last year, with three occurring in the region of Goriška.

In response to tragic statistics, the Chamber of Craft and Small Business in Nova Gorica and the regional Health Insurance Institute have launched a year-long project aimed at improving safety at building sites.

Work in building trade is dangerous and risky – the probability of death at work is three times higher than in other professions, and injures are two times more likely. Also due to economizing at the expense of safety, warns Zoran Simčič, president of the Nova Gorica Regional Chamber of Craft and Small Business: “In the past three of four years, the prices in building trade have decreased by more than a third. Where does this drop show the most? Definitely in safety. Safety measures at building sites represent up to ten percent of all costs. Investors and contractors most often decide to save some money there. Unfortunately at the expense of workers, the safety of their lives.”

Work inspectors typically report on two main reasons for accidents at building sites: inappropriately secured work at greater heights and inappropriately secured land excavation. Injuries are not the only danger for builders, however. Other risks include inhalation of asbestos fibres, manual transportation of heavy burdens, hazardous substances and exposure to loud noise.

Mojca Dumančič, TV Slovenija; translated by K. Z.