The fatal accident involving two workers which recently occurred on the construction sites of Lettere and Casalnuovo, in the province of Naples, has reignited the debate on workplace safety in Italy, urgently highlighting the need to review current regulations. Nicola Ricci, general secretary of the CGIL of Naples and Campania, expressed deep concern about the current situation, highlighting how the current procurement system increases risks rather than reduces them.
In 2024, the numbers are particularly alarming: more than 350 workers in Italy and 12 in Campania have lost their lives while performing their tasks. This growing number of workplace fatalities shines a spotlight on a crisis that can no longer be ignored. The cascading procurement model, often adopted in construction, disperses responsibility among multiple entities, making it difficult to identify and punish negligence.
The union leader underlined the need for an immediate strategy to counter this dramatic trend and indicated the initiatives that the CGIL is promoting. Among these, a signature collection stands out to support referendums aimed at abolishing regulations that hinder the attribution of responsibility to contracting companies in the event of accidents at work. This proposal aims to fill a legal void that too often leaves victims and their families without justice and protection.
Safety at work is an issue that has also dominated the recent May Day celebrations, demonstrating the importance that the union attributes to the lives and health of workers. The CGIL insists on the need to transform words into concrete actions, implementing more effective laws and prevention measures to ensure that no other worker has to risk their lives.
Discussing safety at work means addressing an issue of fundamental human rights. Every accident at work is a tragedy that signals flaws in our socio-economic system; flaws that need to be identified and repaired urgently. The preventative approach would not only save lives but also lead to greater economic efficiency, reducing accident-related costs and improving the quality of working life.
Furthermore, improving working conditions is essential to promote sustainable economic growth. Investing in safety also means investing in the well-being of workers, which translates into greater productivity and a more motivated and satisfied workforce.
In conclusion, the issue of workplace safety in Campania, and in Italy in general, requires immediate and decisive action. The reform proposals promoted by the CGIL represent a step in the right direction, but a common commitment between unions, businesses and institutions will be essential to translate these ideas into tangible realities. Only in this way will it be possible to guarantee every worker the fundamental right to a safe and protected working environment.
