According to the reports, a worker fell from a building under construction in Didi Dighomi district of Tbilisi and died instantly. An investigation is in progress under Article 240 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, pertaining to violation of safety rules during mining, construction or other works.

The Public Defender expresses sorrow over the accident and offers sympathy to the family and relatives of the deceased.

According to the Inspector of the Labour Inspection Department, the preliminary examination of the site made it clear that safety norms were violated; no collective or individual protection norms were provided.

High rates of injuries and deaths of people in the workplace clearly indicate that the issue is very serious in Georgia and requires timely, systemic and consistent approach in order to radically change the situation.

The Parliament of Georgia is currently discussing the draft Law on Labour Safety. It is important the Government to be able to create a legislative framework that would provide healthy and safe work environment for all employees. The Public Defender has principled remarks with regard to the existing text of the draft law, but he hopes that these remarks will be taken into account during the discussion. Safety should be the main priority for the state, as well as for the employers and employees.