Worker’s Death in Paphos

The district court assigned responsibility for the death of a construction worker who fell from an 8-meter height without a safety harness between three companies.

Who was punished and how:
• K Aristodemou (Sideras) Ltd (reinforcement works): a fine of €22,000. The company failed to provide workers with fall protection and also lacked mandatory liability insurance.
• S Georgiou Construction Ltd (main contractor): a fine of €20,000 for violations of safety measures on temporary sites.
• Celicandia Ltd (project owner): a fine of €6,500 for failing to notify the supervisory authority and for an unapproved occupational safety plan. Three other individuals received suspended sentences (9 and 12 months) and a combined fine of €6,500.

Context: Cyprus ranks first in the EU in fatal workplace injuries (5.63 cases per 100,000 employed, compared with an EU average of about two). Falls from height remain the leading cause of tragedies.