Newsroom
Cyprus is stepping up efforts to protect workers from prolonged standing at their jobs, with a nationwide inspection campaign and stricter enforcement of new legislation aimed at improving workplace conditions, according to a report by Kathimerini's Hector Georgiou.
Last year, the House of Representatives passed two significant pieces of legislation that require employers to adjust working conditions for employees who are on their feet for long periods. One law mandates employers to organize working hours to avoid continuous and prolonged standing, while the other ensures that workers are allowed to sit when needed.
In response to these changes, the Labour Inspection Department launched a targeted nationwide campaign earlier this year. Between February and March, officials inspected 74 establishments, focusing mainly on businesses in the retail sector where employees are often required to stand for long shifts. The inspections aimed to ensure compliance with the new regulations and address any complaints filed by workers or other concerned parties.
According to Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Yiannis Panagiotou, violations were found in some workplaces. In 13 cases, employers were issued letters of infringement and improvement notices, urging them to comply with the new standing regulations. Additionally, two businesses were fined out of court for failing to meet the standards.
The push for these workplace reforms is part of Cyprus's broader effort to improve working conditions and promote employee health and safety. The legislation was introduced after concerns about the negative health effects of prolonged standing, such as fatigue, back pain, and other musculoskeletal issues.
The government's inspection efforts are not stopping with the retail sector. As part of the 2024 Inspection Programme, the Labour Inspection Department also carried out a special campaign in June, targeting hotels, restaurants, and ready-to-eat food outlets. Inspectors are specifically checking whether businesses in the hospitality industry are meeting the standing regulations, with a follow-up campaign scheduled for September.
This ongoing initiative underscores the government's commitment to enforcing fair labor practices and ensuring that employers are providing appropriate working conditions for their staff, particularly those in physically demanding roles.
