August 19, 2008

Bulgarian construction safety blitz uncovers numerous violations

BANSKO, BULGARIA

After inspecting 14 construction sites in Bansko, Bulgaria, the country’s Labour and Social Policy Ministry suspended work on four sites and ordered various building equipment to cease operating because of safety concerns, Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported.

The ministry found workers from 13 companies on the sites and demanded all necessary paperwork showing compliance with the state’s labour and work safety regulations to be submitted. The inspections took place July 26.

During its inspection, the ministry registered various safety violations such as unguarded openings and staircases, dangerous pits, makeshift electrical control panels and exposed feeder cables as well as equipment with unguarded rotating and moving parts.

A common labour law offence is that of companies hiring workers without offering them employment contracts or national insurance, reports BTA. During the mass check, six employees were found without contracts. On-site, inspectors also fined some of the workers for not using helmets.

The status of five workers, all Chinese citizens, remains to be seen. These workers were discovered fitting an elevator in a residential building in Bansko. Inquires have been sent to the Ministry of Interior and the National Employment Agency (NEA).

DCN News Services

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