Prishtine, 13 July 2023 – the Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj, pursuant to his mandate on protection and supervision of human rights, exposes his concern regarding the increasing number of accidents in the workplace, as a result of which there is loss of lives and numerous cases of injuries with long-term consequences for employees’ health and life.

The Ombudsperson draws relevant authorities’ attention, with emphasis on the Labor Inspectorate, that within the framework entrusted as well as constitutional and legal responsibilities, in the most efficient manner as well as by increased presence on the ground, with the main emphases in construction and production sector, to undertake necessary measures that would effect on prevention of accidents in the workplace.

As of January of this year until now, there have been more than 10 deaths of workers, as well as numerous injuries. The Ombudsperson deems compulsory the increased commitment of the Labor Inspectorate, the Municipal Inspectorates as well as of Kosovo Police in order to supervise working conditions and the measures required to provide safety and health protection in the workplace.

The greater presence of the Labor Inspectorate in the field and more efficient businesses inspections, in order to comply with the Law on Labor and the Law on Safety and Health at Work, would create preconditions for reducing the number of accidents resulting in loss of life and workplace injuries.

The Ombudsperson also calls upon construction and manufacturing companies to accurately abide with the Law on Safety and Health at Work, by taking measures to secure facilities, workplaces and use safety equipment during work.