The number of safety-related incidents at construction sites in Armenia has been rising, with 131 accidents recorded in 2023, 202 in 2024, and 277 in 2025. According to publicly available data, 80 people died in construction site accidents between 2023 and the end of the first half of 2026.<\/p>\n
By early October 2026, nine construction-related deaths had been recorded that year. Furthermore, according to a report by Public Radio citing data from the Health and Labor Inspection Body, violations were identified in 25 of the 38 inspections carried out in 2026.<\/p>\n
On October 19, a 65-year-old worker reportedly fell down an elevator shaft from the tenth floor of a high-rise building under construction at 29\/2 Fuchik Street in Yerevan. He died on the way to the hospital. The circumstances of the incident are being investigated.<\/p>\n
Speaking about safety issues at construction sites, Artur Chakhoyan said that violations are often apparent even without a thorough inspection. According to him, some construction sites lack even basic dust-protection netting, while compliance with other safety requirements remains a serious concern.<\/p>\n
Ashot Harutyunyan, a representative of the Health and Labor Inspection Body, noted that common violations at construction sites include workers failing to wear safety helmets or use safety harnesses when working at heights, as well as the absence of fences, barriers, and warning signs around hazardous areas.<\/p>\n
The inspection body can document violations, issue orders requiring them to be remedied, and impose administrative fines. However, under its occupational safety oversight mandate, it does not have the authority to suspend construction work.<\/p>\n
Following the incident on Fuchik Street, the inspection body announced that it had launched an investigation. According to Harutyunyan, inspections may identify safety violations that could have contributed to the accident. However, the cause of death and whether it was directly linked to the incident must be established through criminal proceedings.<\/p>\n