ROMANIA Labour inspectors documented a sharp rise in safety violations on residential building sites in the first half of 2026, according to figures released by the national inspection authority.
Officials recorded more than 3,200 breaches involving fall protection, unsecured scaffolding, and missing personal protective equipment. Inspectors said many sites operated with incomplete documentation for crane inspections and worker training certificates.
Regional directors attributed part of the increase to expanded inspection rounds after several high-profile accidents, rather than solely to worsening conditions. Nevertheless, unions argued that developers continue to face weak penalties when violations are repeated.
Construction firms interviewed by our desk cited tight deadlines and subcontractor chains that blur responsibility for on-site supervision. Small contractors said they often receive late design changes that force crews to work in conditions not covered by updated risk assessments.
The ministry announced plans to pilot digital check-in systems for workers at large sites in Bucharest and Cluj, allowing inspectors to verify training records in real time. Industry groups requested a grace period for compliance, while victim advocacy organisations urged immediate enforcement.