**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – The Cyprus Electricity Authority (EAC) has been levied a substantial €40,000 penalty by the Nicosia District Court, a consequence of severe workplace safety transgressions that culminated in the tragic death of an employee and grievous injuries to another. The ruling, issued following a criminal prosecution initiated by the Department of Labour Inspection, underscores a critical failure by the state-owned utility to uphold fundamental occupational health and safety standards.
The incident, which occurred on June 22, 2021, transpired during intricate technical operations involving a short circuit. This catastrophic event led to severe burns for two EAC personnel. The subsequent investigation, spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance's inspection arm, unearthed a catalogue of breaches that demonstrably contributed to the fatal outcome. The court’s decision highlights a systemic deficiency in the EAC’s approach to safeguarding its workforce during high-risk activities.
At the heart of the judgment lies the EAC’s dereliction in conducting a mandatory risk assessment prior to a voltage withstand test, a crucial procedural step designed to mitigate potential hazards. Furthermore, the authority was found wanting in establishing and implementing adequate preventive and protective measures commensurate with the task at hand. Compounding these oversights, employees were reportedly not furnished with the requisite specialised training for the complex duties they were assigned, leaving them ill-equipped to navigate the inherent dangers.
The court also pointed to deficiencies in the equipment utilised. Notably, a fire extinguisher found within a service vehicle was discovered to be unmaintained, a stark illustration of the broader disregard for safety protocols. These specific lapses were contextualised within a wider pattern of non-compliance, spanning multiple regulatory frameworks. The violations encompassed rules governing occupational safety and health management, minimum standards for work equipment, and stipulations concerning the inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers, in addition to the overarching occupational safety and health legislation that has been in effect in Cyprus since 1996, with amendments up to 2020.
The fallout from this tragic event extends beyond the immediate human cost. The death of one employee and the severe incapacitation of another represent an immeasurable loss for their families and colleagues. The ruling serves as a potent reminder that adherence to stringent safety regulations is not merely a bureaucratic formality but an imperative for preventing loss of life and serious injury. For the EAC, the €40,000 fine represents a significant financial impost, but more importantly, it signals a profound need for introspection and a comprehensive overhaul of its safety culture and operational procedures.
The Department of Labour Inspection's diligent pursuit of this case underscores its commitment to ensuring that employers, irrespective of their stature, are held accountable for the well-being of their employees. The implications of this judgment are far-reaching, not only for the EAC but for all organisations operating within Cyprus. It reinforces the principle that a robust and proactive approach to occupational health and safety is paramount, demanding rigorous risk management, adequate training, and the meticulous maintenance of all necessary equipment. The tragic events of June 2021 should serve as an indelible catalyst for change, prompting a renewed focus on the protection of human capital within the nation's critical infrastructure sectors.