Construction site inspection finds widespread qualification and safety gaps

Only one of 30 workers carrying out varied industrial trades at a large construction site in Garðabær had a confirmed journeyman’s examination, while safety and pay issues also drew attention, mbl.is reported.

Inspectors from Fagfélögin, accompanied by representatives of other trade unions, visited the site on Wednesday. The work included carpentry, electrical installation, plumbing, masonry, window installation, stone polishing, ventilation-system installation, steel reinforcement and formwork.

Twenty-eight of the 30 workers were foreign nationals and two were Icelandic. Only three or four appeared to be performing general labouring duties, according to a statement from the inspectors.

Many workers lacked necessary personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection and safety footwear. Fall protection was also inadequate in parts of the site, and the inspectors will send a specific report to the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health.

Workers melting bitumen roofing felt did not appear to have received sufficient training in hot work. When asked about training or courses, they generally said they had not received such instruction. One worker thought they might have received similar training abroad.

Workplace identification cards were the exception rather than the rule. Inspectors estimated that only about 20% of workers had them.

Eleven companies operate at the site, five of them owned by foreign nationals. Their records and those of their employees will now be examined, including whether the required professional responsibility and qualifications are in place where applicable.

According to mbl.is sources, Framkvæmdafélagið Arnarhvoll ehf. is the main contractor at the site. The company is also building apartments in Vetrarmýri in Garðabær.

Employees of companies owned by foreign parties received payslips late or in poor condition, while their trade-union membership was often unclear, the statement said.

This was not the first inspection by Fagfélögin at the workplace. Similar problems had been identified during an earlier visit.

Benóný Harðarson, managing director of Fagfélögin, said that no one may perform the work of tradespeople without the required qualifications. The group said it would continue monitoring the case and notify the relevant supervisory authorities.

It said the purpose of the inspections was to protect workers’ rights, ensure that collective agreements and laws were respected, and ensure that industrial trades were carried out under the professional responsibility required by regulations.