So far in 2024, 109 workers have died and 174 have been seriously injured at work. In addition, ongoing research by the European Organisation for Health and Safety at Work estimates that 2,500 people die in Greece annually from occupational diseases. The GSEE stressed that there is a complete lack of systematic recording of these deaths by the authorities.

The union is renewing its call for the reinstatement of collective labour agreements, which it says are essential for implementing measures to tackle the rising number of industrial accidents.

The full GSEE statement reads:

“The sharp rise in workplace deaths over the last five days, with 8 workers losing their lives, underlines the serious problem of health and safety at work in our country.

The surge in industrial accidents, with 109 fatalities and 174 serious injuries in 2024, is both predictable and unacceptable.

Meanwhile, according to ongoing research involving the European Organisation for Health and Safety at Work, it is estimated that 2,500 people die annually in Greece from work-related illnesses, while the authorities record none of these deaths.

All of this is happening despite the fact that, in 2022, the International Labour Organisation declared occupational health and safety a fundamental human right. Yet, the social dialogue on revising the Code of Health and Safety Laws, initiated last November with an event at the Ministry of Labour, continues without the involvement of workers.

GSEE has repeatedly submitted specific proposals to the Ministry of Labour, including:

  • Political prioritisation of occupational health and safety (OHS);
  • Regular meetings of the OHS Council, which has only met once this year with a routine agenda;
  • Equal social dialogue between employers, employees, and the government, in line with European standards;
  • The return of the Labour Inspectorate to the Ministry of Labour, with institutional and functional upgrades;
  • The establishment of an Occupational Risk and Disease Insurance Agency;
  • The proper recording of workplace accidents and occupational diseases.

These measures would have an immediate and positive impact on workplace health and safety if implemented in tandem with the restoration of Collective Labour Agreements, ensuring a balanced approach.

We call on the Ministry of Labour to act immediately, as any further delay will come at a tragic cost.”

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