Kosovo power plant incident ignites workplace safety investigation

Kosovo power plant incident ignites workplace safety investigation

The move follows an explosion at the Kosovo A power plant that resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.

Authorities said they are working on improving safety at a Kosovo power plant where an explosion this month killed two workers and injured 12 others.

Officials said a specialised team of the Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEC) is still investigating the cause of the explosion at the Kosovo A power plant near Pristina.

"As proved by documented reports of inspections from external security institutions, KEC had undertaken all preventive security measures in the area where the incident occurred," Edmond Nulleshi, KEC executive director, told SETimes.

Thirty-three KEC workers have been killed at the plant since 1999, and there were 12 previous accidents this year that resulted in minor injuries. Nulleshi said KEC is implementing a plan to improve workers' safety.

Human error has not been ruled out in this month's fatal accident, said Basri Ibrahimi, Kosovo labour and welfare minister, who added that the incident suggests the need to increase employee awareness and improve safety itself.

"Signals placed at a working site, etc., are small investments that can save lives or prevent injuries in the workplace," Ibrahimi told SETimes.

Workers said construction sector employees are most vulnerable to injuries.

Izet Mustafa, head of the Independent Syndicate of Energy of Kosovo, said workers are exposed to risk because of antiquated equipment despite the fact that working conditions today are better than in the past.

"There are devices used since the power plant and the mine were opened in 1962. Many other devices also need...