The recent collapse of the Torre dei Conti in Rome has intensified discussions around workplace safety in Italy, culminating in a tragedy that claimed the life of a 66-year-old Romanian worker, Octav Stroici. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital after being trapped for hours under the rubble of the historic structure, which was undergoing renovations financed by European Union funds. Natale Di Cola, secretary general of the CGIL union in Rome, expressed the sentiments of many when he stated, “Today is a day of pain and anger.”
The incident, which occurred on March 4, 2025, in a bustling area near the Colosseum, has prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the site. A fellow worker described the location as “not safe,” raising questions about compliance with safety regulations during the renovation process. The CGIL has warned that such tragedies demand immediate and decisive action from both governmental institutions and the corporate sector.
As of early 2025, Inail, Italy’s public body responsible for workplace accident insurance, reported that approximately 575 individuals have died in workplace accidents this year. The construction and manufacturing sectors are notably the hardest hit. Even though the incident rate is only slightly above the EU average, the frequency of such tragic events has drawn significant media attention. Pierpaolo Bombardieri, general secretary of the UIL union, remarked that the number of workplace deaths “is unacceptable,” highlighting the urgent need for reform in safety standards.
Government Response and Legislative Changes
In response to ongoing workplace fatalities, the Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, unveiled a new workplace safety law last week after extensive discussions with trade unions. The decree introduces a nationwide electronic badge system for construction site workers, aimed at improving accountability and safety compliance. It also includes enhanced inspections and provides financial incentives for companies that demonstrate a reduction in workplace accidents.
While the UIL union has viewed these legislative changes positively, it has cautioned that “there is still much to be done.” Francesca Re David, confederal secretary of the CGIL, characterized the new measures as “extremely limited,” arguing that they do not sufficiently tackle the pressing issues regarding worker safety.
Real Stories Behind the Statistics
The impact of workplace accidents is not merely statistical; it is deeply personal. Antonino Ferrara, a 29-year-old worker, recounted his harrowing experience in 2022 when his right arm was caught and crushed in an aluminium melting press. “My world collapsed at that moment,” he stated, recalling a lack of training and inadequate protective gear. Investigations revealed that essential safety systems were absent at the facility where he worked.
Fabrizio Potetti, the regional secretary of CGIL in Lazio, emphasized that the most significant challenges to workplace safety stem from varying standards among subcontractors. He noted that while large firms often maintain low accident rates, smaller subcontractors frequently cut corners on safety measures, leading to higher risks. Potetti explained, “Subcontracting companies save on labour costs, on safety, on training,” which exacerbates the problem.
The UIL union has echoed these concerns, advocating for improvements in training quality and better oversight of undeclared work. Ivana Veronese, UIL confederal secretary, asserted, “We cannot stop. The lives of workers must be respected and protected, to achieve the only tolerable number — zero.”
As Italy grapples with the fallout from the Torre dei Conti collapse and the broader implications for workplace safety, the urgent need for systemic change remains evident. The tragic loss of Octav Stroici serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of negligence and the ongoing struggle for safer working conditions across the nation.
