In March 2004, the State Labour Inspectorate (Valsts Darba inspekcija, VDI) stated that 19 workers had died at work in the first two months of 2004, indicating that the work safety situation has started to deteriorate after some positive developments in the previous year. In 2003, 1,330 workers had accidents at work, of whom 39 died and 217 suffered serious injuries. The number of accidents had fallen in 2003 in comparison with 2002 and the number of fatal accidents was lower by almost one third. Labour law stipulates the duty of employers to be responsible for work safety, and reform of the health and safety system was continued in 2003 while the supervision of compliance was strengthened (LV0308101N [1]). There were thus hopes that health and safety could improve further in 2004, but the latest statistics indicate that this has not happened.[1] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/legislation-strengthens-institutional-basis-for-health-and-safety
In March 2004, Latvia's State Labour Inspectorate (VDI) expressed concern about the fact that, despite various measures taken and positive trends in 2003, the number of workplace accidents has risen in early 2004. To compensate for increased expenditure on benefits for workplace accidents and work-related illnesses, the Ministry of Welfare has proposed an increase in the mandatory social insurance contribution for this contingency from the current 0.09% of monthly pay to 0.1%.
In March 2004, the State Labour Inspectorate (Valsts Darba inspekcija, VDI) stated that 19 workers had died at work in the first two months of 2004, indicating that the work safety situation has started to deteriorate after some positive developments in the previous year. In 2003, 1,330 workers had accidents at work, of whom 39 died and 217 suffered serious injuries. The number of accidents had fallen in 2003 in comparison with 2002 and the number of fatal accidents was lower by almost one third. Labour law stipulates the duty of employers to be responsible for work safety, and reform of the health and safety system was continued in 2003 while the supervision of compliance was strengthened (LV0308101N). There were thus hopes that health and safety could improve further in 2004, but the latest statistics indicate that this has not happened.
The VDI has expressed concern at the development of the situation in 2004. It has drawn attention to the fact that the consequences of accidents are becoming serious. Furthermore, in six cases recorded in 2004 the cause of the worker’s death at work was not a work accident but rather a health problem, such as a heart condition. The VDI considers that the cause of such misfortunes is inadequate organisation of work within companies, with poor division of working hours, badly organised rest periods, over-exertion, stress, arguments and disputes. 'Burn-out syndrome' is regarded as having a negative effect on people’s health. Therefore, the VDI recommends paying attention to employee health checks and health improvement measures; such action is provided for in the law but is currently applied in only a small number of companies, due to economic difficulties. Improving compliance with health and safety requirements has been made a priority by the VDI for 2004.
In 2003, the highest number of accidents at work by sector occurred in wood-pulp, timber and cork production (16% of all accidents), construction (10.9%) and food and beverage production (10%). The most dangerous occupations in Latvia in 2003 were wood-pulp processing and paper production equipment operators (111 accidents), builders (77), industrial and other workers (73), timber workers and furniture makers (70), transport drivers (67), mechanics and locksmiths (60), transport workers and loaders (46), and electro-mechanical and electronic installation mechanics and fitters (43).
Employers believe that they have done everything required by law in the work protection sphere. However, there is a view that the number of accidents is on the rise because, due to increasing competition and a wish to benefit from the economic upswing, employers are economising on work safety and increasing the intensity of work.
Welfare Minister Dagnija Staķe has drawn attention to the fact that the number of work-related illnesses in the country has increased. The VDI reports that in 2003, 563 cases of new work-related illnesses were detected, an increase of almost one-third over the year before.
Latvian legislation provides for three types of social security payments in respect of workplace accidents and work-related illnesses: sickness benefits and 'sickness money' totaling 80% of the average monthly insured wage; compensation for loss of ability to work; and one-off benefits and support to compensate for additional expenses incurred due to injury. These are funded from a special budget financed by contributions from employers and employees. The Ministry of Welfare reports that the cost of workplace accidents is increasing and exceeding the fund's income. Therefore, the Ministry has submitted a draft paper to the cabinet, proposing an increase from 2005 in the mandatory social insurance contribution rate for workplace accidents and work- related illnesses from the current 0.09% of monthly pay to 0.1%.
Eurofound recommends citing this publication in the following way.
Eurofound (2004), Number of workplace accidents increasing, article.
