According to reports in the media, in less than one month, there have been 7 victims at work.[1] The latest case was seen at the Holta Creek (Gramsh), where the project for the construction of a hydropower station is being implemented. Two young men, aged 22 and 32, passed away. Before this case, in Klos, another young worker, 29 years old, passed away in a chromium processing plant, after a massive flood of water.
The Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC) notes with concern that such cases, repeated, although it is reported that there are verifications of safety at work, in fact pass by in the midst of institutional silence by those responsible bodies that should conduct regular preventive inspections (not only when an incident occurs) for respect of safety measures at work. Furthermore, the prosecution office should conduct comprehensive investigations within a reasonable time, in order to verify the responsibilities of employers.
From this standpoint, spurred by the disturbing number of victims at work in the past three weeks, AHC notes that the relevant state bodies that are responsible for the rigorous implementation of our legislation regarding securing the health and life of workers have serious deficiencies. This is an alarm bell for employees who, especially because of difficult social economic conditions, work in difficult sectors that also pose a high risk to their health.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has a consolidated practice that considers the state intervention (as a positive obligation) for the protection of life as indispensable as it derives from article 2 of the European Convention (ECHR).
AHC notes overall will concern also the lack of strong trade union reaction in our country. Trade union voices in defense of employees in Albania is almost missing and insignificant. Trade unions have an irreplaceable role in a democratic state, to guarantee that every employee, in spite of his/her social or economic status, has their labor rights and safety of life and health respected at work. Trade union movements serve to fight social and economic inequality and protect employees, especially when they are in vulnerable positions.
AHC expresses profound condolences to the families and relatives for these grave tragic losses of the lives of these citizens.
Meanwhile, we call upon the prosecution office to carry out a complete, independent investigation, within a reasonable time, for these cases. Establishing and identifying responsibility, depending on the case, serves the general and special prevention of these tragic cases for the lives of workers and their families.
[1] https://www.reporter.al/2025/05/10/dy-te-rinj-vriten-gjate-punimeve-per-ndertimi-i-nje-hidrocentrali-ne-holte-te-gramshit/re.
