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Report reveals 21 fatal accidents during the construction of 2018 World Cup stadia

There have been 21 fatal accidents at stadium construction sites for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, according to a report published by the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI).

On 7th June 2018, the BWI published a report that revealed serious violation of workers’ rights at the stadium construction sites for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Health and safety experts from BWI affiliates took part in 35 joint inspection visits of eight of the ten stadiums under construction or renovation between October 2016 and March 2018. Each site was visited at least twice, and in some cases on five occasions.

The inspections found dangerous working conditions and workers being forced to work outside extremely cold temperatures, in some cases below -20°C.

They found that the principal causes of the 21 fatalities were falling from height or equipment falling onto workers from height. The BWI believe that these accidents could have been prevented if safety and health condition were strictly enforced.

The BWI are calling on FIFA to take action and to adopt measures in its bidding documents and technical specification to ensure decent working conditions at World Cup stadia and related infrastructure. 

It also argued that the international football association should also adopt a mandatory policy on a “Decent Work” stadium, basing its specifications on international labour and occupational health and safety standards.

The full report can be viewed here.

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