Ildar Khalikov: “There is a decline in industrial injuries, but it is very small”

On April 9, at a session of Tatarstan Cabinet of Ministers on labour protection and conditions in Tatarstan by results of 2013 and measures taken on reducing industrial injuries, Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov said that Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Protection together with relative ministries and departments should put more efforts to eliminate violations of safety regulations and rules at industrial and construction sites in the republic.

“The problem of industrial injuries and deaths is a matter of concern to all of us. And the results of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 are disturbing. However, there are industries and regions having positive results,” Ildar Khalikov said, opening the session.

Tatarstan Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Protection Airat Shafigullin made a keynote report at the session. He reported that 765 employees suffered workplace injuries in Tatarstan in 2013, compared to 865 people in 2012. According to Airat Shafigullin, the republic continues to show a sustainable decline in the rate of industrial injuries among other regions of the Volga Federal District.

There were 103 fatal industrial accidents in 2013. Twenty four lethal workplace accidents occurred in the first three months of 2014. Airat Shafigullin reported that Tatarstan ranked fourth in terms of the workplace fatality rate among other Russian regions.

Construction remains the most problem-causing industry, claiming 33 lives in 2013. Fifteen fatal workplace accidents occurred in the transport and communication industry in 2013 and the same number happened in the agricultural industry.

According to Airat Shafigullin, the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities are unsatisfactory organization of work, traffic violations, the use of defective machines and equipment, disregarding the use of personal protection equipment, labour routine and discipline violations.

Commenting on the Minister’s report, Ildar Khalikov noted that the situation was still complicated despite a positive dynamics that was almost zero.

lldar Khalikov put special emphasis on a great number of safety violations in the construction industry in the republic and asked Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Protection together with State Labour Inspection, Ministry of Construcion, Architecture, Housing and Utilities Services to reconsider punishment measures in respect of those organizations that do not comply with safety regulations at construction sites.