ROME — Following the tragic death of a Romanian worker, calls for enhanced safety regulations on Italy’s construction sites have intensified among politicians and labor unions. The worker, identified as 66-year-old Octav Stroici, was trapped under rubble for 11 hours after a partial collapse of the Torre dei Conti, a medieval structure located in the Roman Forum and undergoing restoration as part of an EU-funded project.
Stroici was recovered from the debris but succumbed to cardiac arrest shortly after being transported to the hospital. In response to this incident, prosecutors have initiated an investigation into potential manslaughter charges.
“We mourn Octav Stroici. His heart stopped beating despite the valiant efforts of the fire brigade, who got him out of the rubble alive,”
stated Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, reflecting the deep sorrow shared across the nation. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her “deep pain” and extended condolences to the grieving family, acknowledging their “unspeakable suffering.”
Workplace safety concerns escalate
The issue of workplace safety has emerged as a critical topic in Italy, particularly in light of numerous fatalities this year. Reports from the National Institute for Insurance against Workplace Accidents (INAIL) reveal that in the first nine months of 2025, there were 777 recorded deaths at work, averaging around three fatalities per day. The construction sector, together with workers over the age of 65 and those employed in lower-skilled positions, have been flagged as particularly vulnerable.
Among recent tragic incidents, five workers lost their lives at a supermarket construction site near Florence, while others perished due to toxic fumes at a sewage treatment plant in Sicily. Furthermore, seven lives were claimed in an explosion at a hydroelectric facility outside Bologna.
Francesco Boccia, a member of the opposition Democratic Party, remarked that Stroici’s death “is a tragedy that affects us all and drives us to never lower our guard when it comes to safety in the workplace.” He emphasized the urgent need to prioritize workplace safety on the political agenda, advocating for adequate resources to ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of their shift.
Government response and union concerns
In light of these ongoing safety issues, the government recently approved a €900 million package aimed at improving workplace safety standards. This initiative includes incentives for responsible employers, alongside increased training, inspections, and fines for non-compliance. However, labor unions have expressed skepticism, arguing that these measures will not sufficiently address the underlying causes of workplace accidents, particularly the reliance on inexperienced temporary workers, subcontracting practices, and cost-cutting measures.
Natale Di Cola, the leader of CGIL in Rome, has called for an official day of mourning, expressing on social media: “Today is a day of pain and anger … Work is humanity, brotherhood, and solidarity; that work must protect life and not endanger it.” He further stated, “In a healthy country, Octav, at 66, would not have found himself on a construction site doing heavy, intense, and dangerous work to earn a living. All this must change.”
Di Cola emphasized that safety standards at the Torre dei Conti should have been more stringent given that it was a public project funded by the EU. He noted that four additional fatalities occurred in workplace accidents on the same day as Stroici’s death, vowing to continue advocating for reforms that would prevent work from becoming a source of pain and suffering.