Thirteen per cent of employees in Cyprus were absent for between one and 11 days due to psychological stress, Sek union said on Tuesday calling for overall improvement in workplace conditions.

According to a survey conducted by Sek, this amounts to 62,400 out of a total of 480,000 employees, including the self-employed. Psychological risks, Sek said, could include work-related stress, mental exhaustion or interpersonal conflicts.

In addition, another 33,600, (seven per cent of employees), were involved in a work accident in the last three years, with total costs for work accidents amounting to €58 million per year.

Overall, workers in Cyprus said they felt safe at work with 64 per cent saying they felt very safe, and another 31 per cent saying they felt somewhat safe.

With 75 per cent, workers aged 18 to 24 were found to feel specifically safe at work. This compares to 68 per cent reported by employees aged 25 to 44 and 57 per cent reported by workers aged 45 to 64.

The sectors in which the greatest degree of uncertainty is recorded are the construction and the transport sectors.

Meanwhile, most employees agreed that measures to contain the Covid virus had strengthened safety culture, as employees had to quickly comply with new rules. Sek said this demonstrated that compliance with health and safety measures was possible if workers are correctly informed about risks.

Sek’s Panicos Argyrides called for training programmes for young people entering the labour market to be expanded and highlighted the problems of foreign workers, with many accidents caused by misunderstanding instructions.

The union called for more inspections in companies and increased penalties to achieve compliance. It also called for legal protection for health and safety committee members who might identify risks but do not take action for fear of dismissal.

In relation to adapting to the climate, Argyrides suggested adding measures related to extreme temperatures and regular site inspections. Additionally, a system to encourage employers to follow best practice in health and safety should be introduced.

Sek said it was planning an awareness campaign covering the basic rights and responsibilities of workers.

The 77775575 helpline will be expanded to include not only mental health issues and harassment at work but also information on general health and safety.