515 accidents in nine months prompt new safety campaign
Occupational accidents remain a significant issue in the Republic of Moldova. In the first nine months of 2025, there were 515 reported incidents, resulting in the deaths of 56 individuals while performing their duties. Most of these tragedies occurred in sectors such as construction, transportation, agriculture, and trade, where intense physical work and failure to adhere to safety regulations heighten the risks.
The State Labor Inspectorate warns that many accidents can be prevented, and the institution's message to employees and employers is clear: "Work safely — your family waits for you".
According to the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru, responsibility must be shared between employers and workers. "Every work accident can change a life forever. Every worker has the right to a safe environment, and accident prevention must be ensured through clear and strict measures," the minister said, emphasizing that the authorities are intensifying efforts to approach European standards.
The construction sector remains the most dangerous. In 2024, 28 people were involved in serious accidents, and 17 died, most of them from heights. Lack of training, ignorance of the rules, and disregard for safe work procedures lead to repeated tragedies. In relation to the total number of employees, the Republic of Moldova records 4.8 fatal accidents per 100,000 employees, more than twice the EU average of 1.76.
In the context of the accession process to the European Union, the Government is accelerating the harmonization of national legislation with community standards and the European Strategic Framework 2021–2027, which aims to prevent accidents, reduce occupational diseases and achieve the objective of *"zero deaths at work".
The State Labor Inspectorate has published guides, risk assessment tools and information materials, while employers are required to periodically train workers, provide them with protective equipment and consult staff on occupational health and safety issues.
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility. Employers must prevent risks, and employees have a duty to follow instructions, use protective equipment and report any hazards. Any irregularity can be noted simply and quickly through an online petition on ims.gov.md
A separate statistic on the number of work accidents involving employees who were employed illegally does not exist at the moment. The criminal law provides for a fine of 22,000 lei, up to 34,000 lei, unpaid community service from 100 to 200 hours or up to two years in prison for the violation by a person with a responsible position of safety techniques or other labor protection rules, if this violation caused accidents to people or other serious consequences.
If it results in the death of a person, the violation is punishable by imprisonment from 2 to 6 years, with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or to exercise a particular activity for a term of up to 3 years.
The "Work safely — your family waits for you" campaign is carried out within the framework of the "EU support for a more inclusive labor market in the Republic of Moldova" project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Labor Organization (ILO). The project supports the improvement of labor legislation and its alignment with EU and ILO standards, with the aim of creating safer working conditions for all workers in the country.
