Increase in workplace inspections and number of fines imposed

The annual report of the Greek Labour Inspectorate (SEPE) finds that its inspectors carried out over 13% more workplace inspections in 2007 than in 2006, and imposed nearly 12% more fines on employers breaching the law. The number of workplace accidents remained fairly stable, but the number of fatal accidents fell. In 2008, SEPE is focusing on areas such as temporary employment agencies and the construction sector.

The Labour Inspectorate (SΕPΕ) (GR0102100F and GR0411104F) is a service of the Ministry of Employment and Social Prοtection, falling directly under the competence of the Minister, and headed by a Special Secretary. Its labour inspectors are public servants. The transparency of SEPE’s actions and the quality of its services are monitored by the Social Inspection Council of the Labour Inspectorate (SΚΕΕΕ). The SKEE includes representatives of the central trade union and employer organisations, along with a representative of the employees of SΕPΕ

Main findings

The findings of SEPE’s workplace inspections indicate the extent to which labour legislation is being observed. SEPE’s Social Inspection Department carried out 35,805 inspections in businesses in 2007, a 13.2% increase on the 31,630 inspections carried out in 2006. In 2007, 5,724 fines were imposed, an 11.55% increase on the 5,133 fines in 2006. The fines in 2007 amounted to €11,803,780, up 10.95% on the €10,639,175 recorded in 2006.

The Social Inspection Department of SΕPΕ also has the task of resolving labour disputes, acting as a mediator between employees and employers. In 2007, it resolved 7,102 labour disputes, 6.83% fewer than in 2006 (7,586 disputes resolved). In 2007, the amounts paid tο workers as a result increased by 10.34% from €9,473,760 in 2006 to €10,453,543.

In 2007, SEPE’s technical and hygiene department investigated the causes of 6,601 workplace accidents, up from 6,225 accidents in 2006. The total number of inspection carried out by the technical and hygiene department of SΕPΕ with the purpose of preventing and reducing workplace accidents and occupational diseases stood at 27,905 in 2007, as against 27,857 in 2006. Fines imposed on businesses for not observing the rules in relation to hygiene and work safety rose to €3,028,500 in 2007 from €2,949,100 in 2006.

The increase in accidents recorded by SΕPΕ inspectors is said to be due to the way in which such accidents are recorded. Businesses are not obliged to report such accidents to SΕPΕ, but to their employees’ accident and illness insurance οrganisations. The increase in recorded accidents in 2007 is due to the labour inspectors’ continuous encouragement of businesses to report all accidents.

The number of fatal workplace accidents fell to 114 in 2007 from 128 in 2006. The sector that registered the most fatal accidents was again construction, with 62 fatal accidents in 2007 compared with 56 in 2006. By contrast, in the other sectors of the economy fatal accidents were reduced by 37% compared with 2006.

Action programme for 2008

SEPE’s annual action programme is drawn up following consultations between trade union and employers’ representatives in the framework of the SΚΕΕΕ.

In 2008, the SEPE programme includes a focus by SEPE’s social inspection department on inspecting the operations of temporary employment agencies and ‘private labour consultants’, especially in connection with the validity of their operating licences and the observation of employment legislation in respect of employees who are placed on assignments. In addition, inspection activity will be directed at those service sectors where the most frequent violations of employment legislation occur, such as cleaning, security and courier services. These breaches relate to issues such as illegal and uninsured employment, non-observation of rules on working hours, or non-payment of overtime. Businesses employing professional drivers will also receive special attention, because cases of illegal overtime working by drivers have been observed.

In 2008, SEPE’s technical and hygiene department is targeting its inspections at building sites and large construction projects, due to the increased frequency of workplace accidents in the construction sector. Inspections will also address works involving the removal of asbestos from buildings, due to the particular health risks for workers connected with exposure to asbestos.

Commentary

SEPE has managed to increase continuously the number of inspections it carries out, despite very difficult conditions: in its annual reports to the SΚΕΕΕ, it frequently states a need to recruit additional inspectors.

In spite of the efforts made to improve working conditions, Greece still has one of the highest rates of workplace accidents in the European Union. Commentators argue that, as well as SEPE’s staff shortage, this fact highlights shortcomings in its competence to monitor effectively the application of labour legislation, and problems with the coordination of inspection activities. These three factors make the overall application of labour legislation problematic, it is claimed.

Stathis Tikos, INE/GSEE