Etek calls for stricter safety standards after Limassol building collapse

The Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus (Etek) has called on construction firms to strictly comply with safety regulations following the collapse of a top-floor concrete slab at a construction site in Limassol earlier this week. The incident occurred during concrete pouring operations, prompting Etek to highlight the critical risks associated with improperly designed formwork and temporary supports. The organization emphasized that 60 percent of construction accidents in Cyprus and Europe stem from deficiencies during the design and tender stages, prior to the start of project work. Furthermore, Etek identified insufficient supervision and inadequate control of preventative measures as significant contributors to workplace incidents. Under current legislation, temporary structures must be designed and calculated by competent professionals, with certification required for the entire process, including installation and dismantling. Etek advocated for strengthening the training and certification framework for personnel involved in these procedures. The body concluded that safety and health protocols must be prioritized alongside quality and cost considerations to ensure the safe execution of building projects.