The Ombudsman Institution has reacted to the loss of life of two workers at their workplace in Gjakova as a result of accidents that occurred in recent days.
"These tragic events are a clear indication of the alarming situation that prevails in the field of occupational safety and health and a consequence of the lack of effective implementation of the legal standards established for the protection of life and dignity. These cases are an indication that the situation with respect for the rights of employees, in the field of occupational safety and health, continues to be fragile," the Ombudsman's response states.
It is further stated that the Ombudsman, within the framework of his constitutional and legal mandate, has continuously addressed concerns regarding this issue. In the Ex officio report No. 252/20211, published in February 2024, it was emphasized that from 2004 to 2021, 232 deaths of workers who lost their lives in the workplace or as a result of working conditions were recorded.
"Despite the fact that this report included clear and actionable recommendations, the responsible authorities have not taken sufficient action to improve the situation," the response states.
"The Ombudsman sympathizes with the families of the workers who lost their lives in these accidents. The Ombudsman draws the attention of the authorities to the responsibility they have for immediate and coordinated action in implementing obligations related to safety and health at work. It is also necessary for the Labor Inspectorate to fulfill its legal obligations, so that through field control, especially in high-risk sectors, it can influence the prevention of accidents at work and protection and safety," the reaction states.
On the other hand, according to the Ombudsman, the responsible authorities have an obligation to act with the aim of a comprehensive, professional and transparent investigation into each case of an accident at work and by establishing institutional responsibilities in exercising effective control in the implementation of legal measures for occupational safety and health, as well as the state's responsibility for respecting the right to life and the state's responsibility to guarantee safety and health in the workplace.
Two people died at their workplace yesterday in Gjakova. They fell from the third floor of a building that was under construction.
