Work-related accidents and deaths in the Republic of Moldova, triple compared to EU states
The number of accidents and deaths at the workplace in the Republic of Moldova is three times that of the EU countries, with over 500 such cases being recorded annually. Reported at the European level, these represent a large number, and the situation remains worrying, says the Secretary of State from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Corina Ajder. To prevent them, the relevant ministry will implement this year a program that includes several measures regarding health and safety at workplace.
The number of accidents caused at the workplace varies annually between 500 and 550, and in 2023 around 60 deaths were recorded in this sense, stated the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Corina Ajder in the "Public Space" show from Radio Moldova. She emphasized that in the last two decades, the countries of the European Union have managed to reduce the number of accidents and deaths at work by 60 percent, and our country tends to achieve similar results. Thus, a concrete plan will be developed that includes actions to secure the job and make employees and employers responsible.
"Last year we had around 60 deaths at work and if we refer to the experience or statistics of the European Union countries it is a large number. We also have some steps to take, with a more ambitious calendar to see results and how they succeeded, I think that's the value that each individual has. A cultural change is also needed, on the one hand it is about controls, on the other, information, awareness of where the risks come from. The ministry is working now and will come up with a strategy that will target both employers and employees, because employees sometimes don't wear protective equipment, even if they are told they have to," said Corina Ajder.
Data from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection reveal that in the years 2014-2021, as a result of workplace accidents, 40 people were affected by occupational diseases. Those most at risk of occupational disease are mechanists, medical workers and factory workers.
