Fines issued for failing worker safety on standing
The first fines have been issued to businesses who have not ensured health and safety for workers whose jobs require standing for long periods, it emerged on Friday.
The law was passed at the beginning of last December and the labour inspection department has incorporated these checks into their regular onsite inspections.
Since the legislation was passed, according to Stockwatch, two extrajudicial fines have been issued and 74 workplaces inspected for violations, 13 of whom, in addition to the two that were fined, received warning letters to improve the conditions for standing employees.
Most of the inspections were carried out in retail workplaces.
Under the law, workers, where possible should be able to sit to do their jobs. For workers whose jobs do not facilitate sitting, employers must provide scheduled breaks.
As employers are required to follow health and safety rules and if employees are subjected to prolonged hours standing, measures must be taken to deal with the issue just as with any other health and safety issues.
Checks by labour inspectors specifically on this issue is part of the new regulations.
An EU safety and health study has shown that workers who stand for prolonged periods can develop rheumatism or musculoskeletal diseases.
But despite the new law, dozens of complaints are being made by employees that it’s not being followed.
Following the checks in retail, inspectors visited hotels, and restaurants in June and will then check places that produce and distribute ready meals.
Akel MP Giorgos Koukoumas who was instrumental in having the legislation brought to parliament, has, according to Stockwatch, asked the labour ministry what actions have been taken under the new law and what actions the ministry was taking to remind employers of their obligations and employees of their rights when it comes to standing for long hours on the job.
In a post on social media, he said awareness was spreading.
“On the one hand in several workplaces there is compliance and on the other hand the state is now proceeding with controls”, he posted, adding that the first fines had been handed out.
The fine amounts to €500 if a company has not drawn up a risk assessment as required under the law, and another €500 for not providing seats.