Cyprus - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work - Europa

TE-RO-10-001-EN-N 

ISSN 1831-9343 

Osh in figures: Annex to Report: 

Occupational Safety and Health 

in the road transport sector: 

An overview 

National Report: Cyprus

Authors: Antonis Targoutzidis, Elinyae 

Edited and updated by Xabier Irastorza and Elke Schneider - European Agency for Safety 

and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) 

This document is an annex to the Agency’s Report “OSH in figures - Occupational safety and 

health in the transport sector – an overview” - Cyprus 

You can find the full report –in English only- on the Agency’s website: 

http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/reports/transport-sector_TERO10001ENC/view 

More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://europa.eu). 

Cataloguing data can be found on the cover of this publication. 

Luxembourg: Publications Office of he European Communities, 2011 

ISBN -13: 978-92-9191-303-9 

DOI: 10.2802/2218 

© European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, 2011 

Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.

OSH in figures - Occupational safety and health in the transport sector – an overview 

Table of Contents 

List of figures and tables....................................................................................................................... 1 

1 Source description.......................................................................................................................... 2 

1.1 Statistical sources ................................................................................................................. 2 

1.2 Analytical sources ................................................................................................................. 5 

2 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 7 

3 Statistical and analytical data collection on Transport ................................................................... 8 

3.1 Contextual features ............................................................................................................... 8 

3.2 Exposure to risks................................................................................................................. 16 

3.3 Legislation and policies....................................................................................................... 19 

List of figures and tables 

Figure 1: Employment in transport in number (1,000) and percentage share in total, 1999-2005. ........ 8 

Figure 2: Percentage distribution of employment in transport, by transport subsector, 1999-2005. ...... 9 

Figure 3: Percentage distribution by gender of employment in transport, storage and 

communications (NACE 60-64) and the total working population, 1999-2005. ...................... 10 

Figure 4: Percentage distribution by gender of employment in transport subsectors, 2005................. 11 

Figure 5: Percentage share of self-employment in transport, storage and communications (NACE 

60-64) and the total working population, 2002-2005. ............................................................. 11 

Figure 6: Percentage share of temporary employment in transport, storage and communications 

(NACE 60-64) and the total working population, 1998-2006. ................................................. 12 

Figure 7: Percentage share of part-time employment in transport, storage and communications 

(NACE 60-64) and the total working population, 2003-2005. ................................................. 12 

Figure 8: Road accidents: number of fatal and serious accidents of drivers, by type of vehicle, 

2003-2005. .............................................................................................................................. 16 

Figure 9: Incidence rate (per 100,000 workers) of occupational accidents in transport, storage and 

communication, 2001-2006..................................................................................................... 17 

Figure 10: Number of occupational accidents in transport, by cause, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 

2006. ....................................................................................................................................... 18 

Table 1: National road transport: number of tonnes, by vehicle capacity and ownership/type of 

transport, 2005. ....................................................................................................................... 13 

Table 2: International road transport: number of tonnes, by type of transport and country of 

origin/destination, 2005........................................................................................................... 13 

Table 3: Foreign workers in Cyprus by economic activity 2000-2005................................................... 14 

Table 4: Number of migrant workers by sector of economic activity, 2005........................................... 14 

Table 5: Number of occupational accidents, by transport subsector, total transport and total working 

population, 2001-2006. ........................................................................................................... 17 

Table 6: Number of occupational accidents, by gender, transport subsector and total working 

population, 2001- 2006 ........................................................................................................... 18 

EU-OSHA – European Agency for Safety and Health at Work 1


1 Source description 

1.1 Statistical sources 

Title 1. European Union Labour Force Survey 

Acronym LFS 

Institution Eurostat, Statistical Office of the European Communities 

Country EU 

Periodicity 1983 

Type Household Survey 

URL Figures available at: www.epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu 

The European Union labour force survey Methods and definitions – 2001 

http://www.mmo.gr/pdf/library/Data issues/KS_BF_03_002____N_EN.pdf 

Coverage GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE 

The EU-LFS covers all the territories of the Member States of the European Union, 

the EFTA countries, as well as Bulgaria and Romania. In case of Cyprus, however, 

the data only refer to the territory under the control of the Government of the 

Republic of Cyprus. 

INDUSTRIAL AND OCCUPATIONAL COVERAGE 

The EU-LFS covers all industries and occupations. 

POPULATION COVERAGE 

The EU-LFS covers the total population usually residing in Member States, except 

persons living in collective or institutional households. While demographic data are 

gathered for all age groups, questions relating to labour market status are restricted 

to persons in the age group 15 years or older except for Spain, the United Kingdom 

and Iceland where this age limit is 16 years. In Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Hungary, 

Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Norway questions on the labour market characteristics 

are also restricted to those younger than 75 years of age. In the EFTA countries, 

Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, population data are not provided for the agegroups 

outside the scope of labour market questions. 

TOPICAL COVERAGE 

The EU-LFS is organised in thirteen modules, covering demographic background, 

labour status, employment characteristics of the main job, hours worked, 

employment characteristics of the second job, time-related underemployment, 

search for employment, education and training, previous work experience of persons 

not in employment, situation one year before the survey, main labour status, income 

and technical items relating to the interview. For detail see Council Regulation (EC) 

No 577/98 of 9 March 1998 on the organisation of a labour force sample survey in 

the Community (OJ No L 77/3). 

Content The European Union Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS) provides population estimates 

for the main labour market characteristics, such as employment, unemployment, 

inactivity, hours of work, occupation, economic activity and much else as well as 

important socio-demographic characteristics, such as sex, age, education, 

households and regions of residence. 

The division of the population into employed persons, unemployed persons and 

inactive persons follows the ILO definition. Other concepts also follow broadly the 

recommendations of ILO. 



Title 2. European Industrial Relations Observatory 

Acronym EIRO 

Institution European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions 

Country EU 

Periodicity - 

URL http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/eiro/about_index.htm 

Description The European Industrial Relations Observatory (EIRO) is a monitoring instrument 

offering news and analysis on European industrial relations. A project of the 

European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, 

EIRO began its operations in 1997. Its aim is to collect, analyse and disseminate 

high-quality and up-to-date information on key developments in industrial relations 

in Europe. It aims primarily to serve the needs of national and European level 

organisations of the social partners, governmental organisations and EU 

institutions. 

Content The database contains more than 8,000 records, dating from 1997 to the present, 

comprising: news and feature articles, comparative studies, annual reviews, 

annual updates on key issues as pay and working time, thematic and sectoral 

analyses, EIRObserver bulletin. 

Title 3. Transport statistics, (2003 – 2006) 

Acronym CYSTAT 

Institution Statistical service of the Republic of Cyprus 

Country Cyprus 

Periodicity Annual 

Type Statistical Report 

URL http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/publications_archive_gr/publication 

s_archive_gr?OpenForm&OpenView&RestrictToCategory=820&SrcTp=1&Catego 

ry=99&Subject=8&SubSubject=1&subsubtext=20& 

Description 

Content 

This report is published annually since 1985 and provides statistical data on the 

developments in Transport, Storage and Communication. The data cover: 

Economic accounts of the sector. 

Motor vehicles. 

Road accidents. 

Shipping and Aviation. 

Communication (Telecommunications and Postal Services) 

The data compiled and presented, since mid 1974, refer to the Government 

controlled area of Cyprus. 

Economic accounts of the transport, storage and communication sector; data on 

the various types and categories of motor vehicles registered and licensed; 

accidents and casualties; shipping statistics; civil aviation, postal services and 

telecommunications. 


Title 



4. Census of establishments 2005 Vol. I – A – Table 4: Employment in 

enterprises by branch of economic activity, sex and size. 



Periodicity 1980-1985-1990-1995-2000-2005 

Type Census 

URL http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/All/2532633196D80B5CC22571F8 

004069FA/$file/CEN_EST2005_V1_T4A.pdf?OpenElement 

Description 

Content 

The Census of establishments and enterprises is a complete enumeration of all 

non-agricultural units. Its objective is to provide information on the number and 

structure of establishments in terms of their type of economic activity, employed 

people, legal entity, year of commencement of operations, location, employment 

status and other characteristics related to employment. It provides basic data for 

economic and social planning purposes and provides the sampling frame for other 

annual or ad hoc statistical enquiries conducted by the Statistical Service of 

Cyprus and will form the base for the business register. 

Volume I of the Census of Establishments 2005 gives information on the 

distribution of the enterprises and establishments in Cyprus by branch of 

economic activity, size and legal entity and also the distribution of the employed 

population by branch of economic activity, enterprise size and gender. 

Title 5. Labour statistics (2002-2005) 




Periodicity Annual 

Type Statistical report 

URL http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/All/580CBDA6696A5801C2257310 

0029E77B/$file/LABOUR%20STATISTICS%202005.pdf?OpenElement 

Description 

Content 

This Report is published annually since 1982. As from 1994 it is issued in Greek 

and English. It incorporates data on employment, unemployment, vacancies, 

placements, government labour force, foreign workers, social insurance statistics, 

labour disputes, occupational accidents, wages, salaries, consumer price index 

and cost-of-living allowance. 

Annual Statistics on employment, unemployment, vacancies, government labour 

force, port workers, and employment by UK Authorities, UNFICYP and NAAFI, 

Cypriots working temporarily abroad, industrial disputes and industrial accidents. 

As from 1985 the report includes statistics on wages, salaries, hours of work, 

which were previously issued as a separate report. 



1.2 Analytical sources 

Title 1. Occupational accident statistics 

Editor Labour Inspection Department of the Republic of Cyprus, (DLI) 


Time 2001- 2006 

URL http://www.mlsi.gov.cy/mlsi/dli/dli.nsf/All/4EFA2D62AF82A5E0C2256E5200000F90? 

OpenDocument&t=d&e 

Summary The Department of Labour Inspection is a department of the Ministry of Labour and 

Social Insurance. It consists of six sectors: safety and health, machinery and 

chemical substances, field operations, industrial pollution control, air quality and 

radiation protection. The Department of Labour Inspection among others, releases 

statistical data regarding the Cypriot labour market every year since 2000. 

Title 2. Employment and working conditions of migrant workers — Cyprus 

Editor European Foundation for the Improvement of Working and Living Conditions - 

European Working Conditions Observatory (EWCO) 

Country EU 

Time 2007 

URL http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/studies/tn0701038s/cy0701039q.htm 

Summary This article is Cyprus’s contribution to the comparative analytical report of the 

European Working Conditions Observatory on the existing situation regarding the 

working conditions of migrant workers. It incorporates information and data 

emerging from various national and international studies regarding legal and illegal 

migrant workers, the distribution of migrant workers across sectors and occupations, 

the contractual relations of migrants, the level of education and type of occupations 

and the participation in training and possibilities for competence development. 

TOC Sources of information on migrant workers. 

Information on migrant workers. 

Migrant population (including recent trends in 2000-2005). 

Illegal immigration (including recent trends in 2000-2005). 

Migrant active population (including recent trends in 2000-2005). 

The contractual relations of migrants (including recent trends in 2000-2005). 

Working conditions of migrants (including recent trends in 2000-2005). 

Level of education and occupational position: over-qualification and underqualification 

(including recent trends in 2000-2005). 

Participation in training and possibilities for competence development (including 

recent trends in 2000-2005). 

Commentary. 



Title 3. Employment situation of migrant women 

Editor European Foundation for the Improvement of Working and Living Conditions - 

European Working Conditions Observatory (EWCO) 

Country EU 

Time 2007 

URL http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/2007/04/CY0704029I.htm 

Summary In 2006, the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies produced a shadow report to 

the Cypriot government’s report for the United Nations Convention on the 

Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The report’s basic 

findings included, among others, information on the integration of migrant women in 

the Cypriot labour force and on their working and living conditions. Furthermore, it 

highlighted some of the measures proposed to deal with these issues. 

TOC Labour market integration of migrant women - Working and living conditions - 

Proposed measures - Further information 

Title 4. Labour Force Survey 2005 

Editor Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus 


Time 2005 

URL http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/All/73E4514C7364C6ACC22570CA0 

031B762/$file/LFS_2005.pdf?OpenElement 

Summary This report presents the results of the 2005 Labour Force Survey in comparison to 

the 2004 issue. It incorporates data on the labour force, i.e. employment and 

unemployment by economic activity, occupation, educational level, age, sex etc. It 

also incorporates data on the ad-hoc module conducted during the 2 nd quarter of 

2005 on ‘Reconciliation between work and family life’. 

TOC 

Preface - Table of Contents – Introduction – Tables - Appendix with questionnaires 


2 Summary 


According to the census of Cypriot establishments conducted in 2005, small sized enterprises 

employed about 40% of transport workers in the country, while medium and big sized enterprises 

employed 22.5% and 38% of transport workers, respectively. Employment in transport increased by 

19% between 1999 and 2005, reaching 12,000 workers in 2005 and representing about 3.5% of the 

total employment in Cyprus. By transport subsector, employment in land transport appears to have 

stagnated between 1997 and 2005 while in water and air transport there has been a remarkable 

growth of 81% and 14.3%, respectively, in the same period of time. Accordingly, employment in 

land, water and air transport represented, 40%, 39% and 20%, respectively, of total employment in 

transport in 2005. 

y gender, the number of male workers increased by some 15% since 1999 by among women 

employment figures in transport rose by 25% in the same period. As far as employment status is 

concerned, the number of self-employed transport workers increased by 45.5% between 2002 and 

2005, in contrast with the total workforce across all sectors, where self-employment saw a minor 

increase of 3.5%. 

Concerning temporary employment in Cyprus, the number of temporary workers in transport went 

down by 8% between 2003 and 2005, in contrast to the increasing trend in the total workforce 

across all sectors. Meanwhile, part-time employment in transport grew considerably by some 91% 

since 2003. 

An important aspect of employment in Cyprus is the presence of migrant workers, who have 

undertaken a significant part of existing work, filling the shortage of manual labour in transport as 

well as in other economic activity sectors, such as agriculture and construction. 

Concerning occupational accidents, the absolute number in transport increased remarkably by 104% 

between 2001 and 2006, as did the incidence rate per 100,000 workers: from 207.2 in 2001 to 461.4 

in 2006. In any case, the overall tendency between 2001 and 2006 is highly uncertain due to 

relatively low absolute numbers and the wide fluctuations concerning recorded accidents. Fatality 

rates, on the other hand, are extremely low in transport, counting only two fatal accidents between 

2001 and 2006. It has to be emphasised however that these figures may largely be affected by 

changes in accident reporting, which has a limited background in the country. 



3 Statistical and analytical data collection on Transport 

The transport sector in this template refers to the following NACE codes. 

NACE 60: Land transport; transport via pipelines 

601 Rail transport 

602 Road transport 

6021 + 6022 + 6023 = Transport of persons 

6024 = Freight transport by road 

603 Transport through pipes 

NACE 61: Transport over water 

611 Transport overseas 

612 Inland navigation 

NACE 62: Air transport 

3.1 Contextual features 

3.1.1 General prevalence – Employment 

According to CYSTAT, the Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus, there was an 18.8% 

increase in the number of workers in transport between 1999 and 2005. As the total workforce 

across all sectors grew by 23.6% over the same time period, accordingly, the proportion of transport 

workers to the total workforce employment went down slightly from 3.7% in 1999 to 3.5% in 2005. 

Figure 1: Employment in transport in number (1,000) and percentage share in total, 1999- 

2005. 

20.0 

18.0 

16.0 

14.0 

12.0 

10.0 

8.0 

6.0 

4.0 

2.0 

0.0 

10.1 10.6 11.0 10.6 

3.7 3.6 

3.7 

3.6 

3.6 

3.5 3.5 

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

Source: CYSTAT, Transport Statistics. 

11.4 

Number (1,000) % share 

By transport subsectors, employment in land transport remained pretty much at the same level 

between 1999 and 2005, while both water and air transport reported some increasing figures: 56.7% 

and 9.1%, respectively, between 1999 and 2005. As a result of this, the proportion of land transport 

workers in the total transport workforce fell from 48.5% in 1999 to 40.3% in 2005, while the share of 

EU-OSHA – European Agency for Safety and Health at Work 8 

11.7 

12.0 

5.0 

4.8 

4.6 

4.4 

4.2 

4.0 

3.8 

3.6 

3.4 

3.2 

3.0


water transport rose from 29.7% to 39.5% during the same period of time. Air transport workers 

constituted 20.2% of total transport employment in 2005, slightly below the 21.8% they made up 

back in 1999. 

Figure 2: Percentage distribution of employment in transport, by transport subsector, 1999- 

2005. 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

48.5 47.2 45.0 45.3 

39.5 40.7 40.3 

29.7 

33.3 32.1 

40.4 

39.0 

39.5 

32.1 

21.8 20.8 22.6 

21.6 20.2 

20.3 

20.2 

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

Source: CYSTAT, Transport Statistics. 

60 Land transport, transport via pipelines 61 Transport over water 62 Air transport 

3.1.2 Size of the enterprises 

In 2005, according to the Census of Cypriot establishments by CYSTAT, some 12,000 people were 

employed in transport sector. More specifically, small sized enterprises (up to 49 workers) employed 

about 4,700 workers -39.2% of the sector workforce-, while medium sized enterprises (50-249 

workers) employed 2,700 workers -22.5% of the sector workforce-. Finally, large enterprises (more 

than 250 workers) employed some 4,600 workers -38.3% of the transport workforce-. 

3.1.3 Distribution by gender 

Information on employment by gender is only available for the aggregate transport, storage and 

communication sector (NACE 60-64). Bearing this in mind, the number of male workers in the sector 

increased by some 14.6% from 1999 to 2005, while their female counterparts increased their 

employment numbers by 25% over the same period of time. Following this evolution, the share of 

female workers in transport has increased slightly over the years, from making up 29.4% of the 

sector workforce in 199 to 31.3% by 2005. 

Meanwhile, in the overall workforce across all activity sectors male employment went up by 17.5% 

while female employment grew by 32.4%. The gender distribution is more balanced than in transport 

as male workers made up 56.1% of the total workforce in 2005 as opposed to the 43.9% share of 

their female counterparts. As in transport though, the evolution over time shows a slight reduction in 

the gender gap. 



Figure 3: Percentage distribution by gender of employment in transport, storage and 

communications (NACE 60-64) and the total working population, 1999-2005. 

100 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

100 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

Transport, storage and communications 

70.6 70.1 70.3 70.3 70.4 69.9 68.8 

29.4 29.9 29.7 29.7 29.6 30.1 31.3 

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

Males Females 

Total 

59.0 58.0 56.4 55.4 54.7 55.7 56.1 

41.0 42.0 43.6 44.6 45.3 44.3 43.9 

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

Source: CYSTAT, Labour statistics. 

Males Females 

There is limited information by gender for each subsector. However, according to the 2005 Census 

of Cypriot establishments, a vast majority of workers in land transport were men (93.8%) while 

women only made up 6.3% of the subsector workforce. The gender distribution was a bit more 

balanced in water transport, where women represented 26.5% of the workforce, and air transport, 

where almost half of the workforce (47.8%) were women. 



Figure 4: Percentage distribution by gender of employment in transport subsectors, 2005. 

100 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

93.8 

73.5 

52.2 

6.3 

26.5 

Males Females 

47.8 

60 Land transport, transport via pipelines 61 Transport over water 62 Air transport 

Source: CYSTAT, Census of establishments 2005 Vol. I, table 4. 

3.1.4 Distribution by employment status 

3.1.4.1 Self-employment 

Again, available data on self-employment cover the aggregate transport, storage and 

communication sector (NACE 60-64). Taking this into account, self-employment in the sector grew 

significantly by some 45.5% between 2002 and 2005, while the corresponding growth in the total 

workforce across all activity sectors was more modest: 3.5%. Accordingly, the share of selfemployment 

in total transport, storage and communication employment grew until 13.3% in 2005, 

and therefore, exceeding the corresponding share of self-employment in the total working population 

(12.4%) for the first time since 2002. 

Figure 5: Percentage share of self-employment in transport, storage and communications 

(NACE 60-64) and the total working population, 2002-2005. 

20 

18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

10.0 

Source: CYSTAT. 

13.2 13.4 13.1 

9.3 

10.5 

2002 2003 2004 2005 

Transport, storage and communications Total 


13.3 

12.4


3.1.4.2 Temporary employment 

Bearing in mind that data on temporary employment cover the aggregate transport, storage and 

communication sector (NACE 60-64), the number of temporary workers in the sector seems to have 

decreased by 7.7% between 2003 and 2005, while in the total workforce across all sectors 

temporary employment saw a remarkable 19.6% increase by 19.6% over the same period of time. 

Accordingly, the proportion of temporary employment in transport went down slightly from 4.2% in 

2003 to 3.5% in 2005, while in the total working population it increased from 9.8% to 11% between 

2003 and 2005. 

Figure 6: Percentage share of temporary employment in transport, storage and 


20 

18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

Source: LFS. 

4.2 

9.8 

5.0 

10.2 

2003 2004 2005 


3.1.4.3 Part-time work 

Again, data on part-time work cover transport, storage and communications (NACE 60-64). The 

number of part-time workers in the sector in Cyprus increased remarkably by 90.7% between 2003 

and 2005, while in the total workforce part-time employment increased by 5.5% over the same 

period. Nevertheless, the share of part-time employment in the total working population was still 

almost three times higher than in transport, storage and communications in 2005: 9.1% and 3.4%, 

respectively. 

Figure 7: Percentage share of part-time employment in transport, storage and 


20 

18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

Source: LFS. 

2.0 2.0 

3.5 

3.4 

11.0 

9.2 8.9 9.1 

2003 2004 2005 




3.1.5 Long and short distance transport 

National road transport in Cyprus is carried out by both hired and owned vehicles. The total national 

road transport tonnage was as high as 53,706 tonnes in 2005. Slightly over 40% of the total was 

conducted by big -over 15 tonnes- rigid truck vehicles, while 37.3% was undertaken by road tractors. 

The remaining 22.7% of national transport tonnage was transported by means of smaller -3 to 10 

tonnes- and medium -10 to 15 tonnes- rigid trucks. 

Table 1: National road transport: number of tonnes, by vehicle capacity and ownership/type 

of transport, 2005. 

Hired Owned Total 

Road tractor 13,743.0 6,300.8 20,043.8 

Small (3.0-9.9 tonnes) 723.6 6,179.4 6,903.0 

Medium (10.0-14.9 tonnes) 1,081.4 3,935.9 5,017.3 

Big (15.0 tonnes +) 10,393.0 11,348.9 21,741.9 

Total 25,941.0 27,765.0 53,706.0 

Source: CYSTAT, Transport statistics 2005. 

As far as international road transport is concerned, the total transferred tonnage (imports and 

exports) was 19,748 tonnes in 2005. This type of transport was exclusively carried out by large -25 

tonnes and over- freight vehicles, most of which were hired. The main countries of origin, in terms of 

tonnage of origin, are Greece, followed by the Netherlands and Italy. Greece is also the first country 

of destination, followed by the UK. 

Table 2: International road transport: number of tonnes, by type of transport and country of 

origin/destination, 2005. 

Origin Destination 

Country Hired Owned Total Country Hired Owned Total 

Austria 242 0 242 Austria 60 0 60 

Germany 153 0 153 Germany 383 0 383 

Greece 8,213 9 8,222 Greece 5,522 10 5,532 

United Kingdom 683 0 683 United Kingdom 1,171 0 1,171 

Netherlands 1,413 0 1,413 Netherlands 290 0 290 

Italy 1,024 0 1,024 Albania 165 0 165 

Other countries 140 0 140 Other countries 270 0 270 

Total 11,868 9 11,877 Total 7,861 10 7,871 

Source: CYSTAT, Transport statistics 2005. 


3.1.6 Migrant workers 


According to CYSTAT, the number of migrant workers in transport, storage and communication rose 

by 35.5% between 2000 and 2005, from 1,204 to 1,631 workers. Over the same period of time the 

corresponding growth across all activity sectors was 111.5%, counting 55,827 people in 2005. 

Bearing in mind this evolution, the share of transport in the total number of migrant workers in 

Cyprus went down from 4.6% in 2000 to 2.9% in 2005. 

Table 3: Foreign workers in Cyprus by economic activity 2000-2005 

Transport, storage and 

communication 

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

1,204 1,365 1,358 1,388 1,535 1,631 

Total 26,398 30,196 35,122 40,656 47,310 55,827 

Source: CYSTAT, Labour Statistics 2005. 

1. Employment and working conditions of migrant workers — Cyprus, EWCO, 2007 

By Polina Stavrou, INEK/PEO 

According to estimates by the Civil Registry and the Migration Department (Ministry of Home 

Affairs), at the beginning of 2005 the number of undeclared migrants in Cyprus was around 25,000 

and expected to increase in the coming years. However, a significant proportion of undeclared 

migrant workers in Cyprus may officially have the status of foreign students. Regarding the migrant 

active population, and according to the Department of Social Insurance Services (Ministry of Labour 

and Social Insurance), in 2005 there were 684 migrant workers employed in transport, making up 

1.5% of the total migrant workforce in the country that year. The biggest employers of migrant 

workers were households (35.1% of the total migrant workforce), restaurants (12.2%) and 

wholesale, retail and repairs (10%) –see Table 4. 

Table 4: Number of migrant workers by sector of economic activity, 2005. 

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY SECTOR 

Average 

Number 

Percentage of 

Total 

AGRICULTURE/ANIMAL PRODUCTION, FORESTRY, HUNTING 4,069 8.80% 

FISHERIES 39 0.08% 

MINES, QUARRIES 49 0.10% 

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 3,654 7.91% 

WATER SUPPLY, ELECTRICITY, LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS 14 0.03% 

CONSTRUCTION 4,085 8.84% 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE, REPAIRS 4,623 10.00% 

HOTELS 2,305 4.99% 

RESTAURANTS 5,623 12.16% 



TRANSPORT, COMMUNICATIONS, WAREHOUSES 684 1.48% 

INTERMEDIARY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS 229 0.49% 

OTHER COMMERCIAL SERVICES 1,389 3.00% 

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 842 1.82% 

EDUCATION 529 1.14% 

HEALTH AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES 785 1.70% 

OTHER SOCIAL ACTIVITIES 1,029 2.22% 

HOUSEHOLD STAFF 16,326 35.09% 

EXTRATERRITORIAL ORGANISATIONS 61 0.13% 

TOTAL 46,904 100.00% 

May include people who are permanent residents of Cyprus but come from third countries. 

Please note that employment in hotels also includes the category of artists. 

The data are not comparable with previous years due to correction of data on the basis of new 

information and different data collection methods. 

Source: Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, Department of Social Insurance Services, Statistics Sector. 

Data provided by the Department of Labour Inspection (Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance) 

show that workplace accidents involving migrant workers constitute less than 15% of the total 

occupational accidents in Cyprus. More specifically, 5 accidents involving migrant workers were 

recorded in transport, storage and communications between 2004 and 2005. There are no data on 

occupational diseases for migrant workers. 

Full text available at: http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/studies/tn0701038s/cy0701039q.htm 



3.2 Exposure to risks 

3.2.1 Physical work factors 

3.2.1.1 Road safety 

Regarding road safety, there are available data on road accidents –serious and fatal- involving 

buses and trucks. Although the examined time period is short for extracting trends, it is noticeable 

that the number of serious traffic accidents involving truck drivers showed a significant 53.3% 

decrease since 2003, while the death toll fluctuated between 9 in 2005 and 23 in 2004. Regarding 

bus drivers, fatal accidents seem to have decreased, from 3 in 2003 to none in 2005, whereas 

serious accidents increased in 2004 (94) only to go down again in 2005 (22). 

Figure 8: Road accidents: number of fatal and serious accidents of drivers, by type of 

vehicle, 2003-2005. 

500 

450 

400 

350 

300 

250 

200 

150 

100 

50 

0 

484 

31 

3 15 2 

94 

Bus Trucks Bus Trucks Bus Trucks 

2003 2004 2005 

Source: CYSTAT, Transport statistics 2005 

3.2.2 Health outcomes 

3.2.3 Occupational accidents 

3.2.3.1 General 

23 

Fatal Serious 

According to the Cypriot Department of Labour Inspection (DLI), there were 2,107 occupational 

accidents in the total working population across all activity sectors in 2006, up from 1,064 in 2001. In 

any case, part of this 98% increase is likely to be the result of an improved accident recording and 

reporting procedure. 

Regarding occupational accidents in transport, due to the small numbers in air and water transport it 

is not possible to define specific trends. As far as land transport is concerned, there appears to be 

an increasing number of accidents in 2006 compared to 2001, but the overall trend throughout the 

period is uncertain. Concerning fatal occupational accidents, they are very low in transport, with only 

two cases recorded in land transport between 2001 and 2006. 

339 


0 

22 

9 

226


Table 5: Number of occupational accidents, by transport subsector, total transport and total 

working population, 2001-2006. 

Land 

transport 

Water 

transport 

Air Total 

transport transport 

Total 

(all NACE) 

2001 6 2 5 13 1,064 

2002 22 1 7 30 1,670 

2003 19 0 3 22 2,086 

2004 26 4 4 34 2,086 

2005 30 3 3 36 2,175 

2006 25 4 8 37 2,107 

Source: Department of Labour Inspection (DLI). 

Available data on incidence rates per 100,000 workers of occupational accidents in transport include 

also storage and communication subsectors. Bearing this in mind, the incidence rate rose 

significantly from 207.2 in 2001 to 461.4 in 2006. In any case, as shown in Figure 9, this evolution 

has not been constant over time. 

Figure 9: Incidence rate (per 100,000 workers) of occupational accidents in transport, 

storage and communication, 2001-2006. 

1000 

900 

800 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

207.2 

672.8 

351.6 351.6 

916.1 

461.4 

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 


3.2.3.2 By gender 

The increase in occupational accidents between 2001 and 2006 has been experienced by both 

genders. Regarding male workers, the number of accidents in land transport rose by 267% between 

2001 and 2006, while the respective number in the male workforce across all activity sectors 

increased by 88% over the same period of time. Similarly, the number of accidents involving the total 

female workforce rose by 157%. Regarding male and female workers in water and air transport, as 

well as female land transport workers, the low numbers of accidents do not allow defining any 

particular trend for the examined period (2001-2006). 



Table 6: Number of occupational accidents, by gender, transport subsector and total 

working population, 2001- 2006 


transport 


transport 

Males 

Air 

transport 

Total (All NACE) 

2001 6 2 5 905 

2002 21 0 3 1,436 

2003 19 0 1 1,737 

2004 26 2 2 1,840 

2005 27 3 2 1,789 

2006 22 4 3 1,699 


transport 


3.2.3.3 By cause 


transport 

Females 

Air 

transport 

Total (All NACE) 

2001 0 0 0 159 

2002 1 1 4 234 

2003 0 0 2 349 

2004 0 2 2 332 

2005 3 0 1 386 

2006 3 0 5 408 

The following information is presented for indicative purposes only, as it is obvious that due to the 

small numbers involved, it is not possible to define a specific trend of some sort. In any case it can 

bee seen, as expected, that the main cause of occupational accidents in transport are transport 

means and the work environment. 

Figure 10: Number of occupational accidents in transport, by cause, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 

and 2006. 

20 

18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

11 

10 

7 

8 8 

7 

4 

5 

1 

0 0 

2 

1 

0 0 

1 1 

0 

4 

10 

9 

5 

16 

13 13 

2 

0 0 

0 

2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 

Machinery Transport mean Other Equipment Material / substances Work environment Other cause 



1


3.3 Legislation and policies 

3.3.1 Legislation 

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) legislation on transport sector is issued by the Ministry of 

Labour and Social Insurance in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Works. In 

1999 the Republic of Cyprus initiated the procedure of harmonisation of national legislation with the 

European Union legislative framework, which was fully completed in May 2004, when Cyprus 

became a member of the EU. 

The Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance is exclusively involved in the harmonisation of ‘Chapter 

13 - Social policy and employment’ and, to a lesser extent, in the legislation on free distribution of 

goods, social and personal service activities and transport activities. Until today, 117 enactments 

have been voted, some 70 of which on terms and conditions of employment, the establishment of 

equal opportunities between male and female workers, OSH and discrimination at the workplace. 

The remaining 47 enactments concern other subjects, including transport activities. 

According to the Safety and Health at Work Law of 1996 (Law 89(I)/1996), item 14, paragraphs 1, 2 

and 3, item 15 and the Safety and Health at Work (Amendment) Law of 2002 (Law 25(I)/2002), item 

6, all employees and workers are covered by the OSH legislation in Cyprus. Self–employed workers 

in particular (item 14, par. 1), should ‘conduct all works in such a way in order to ensure, as plausibly 

feasible, that themselves as well as third parties possibly involved, are not exposed to any danger 

regarding their safety or health’. The Safety and Health at Work Law of 1996 applies to all private 

and public organisations, including transport activities, (Law 25(I) 2002, Item 4, par.1). More 

specifically, OSH in transport is regulated through a series of laws of either general or specific 

nature that apply to all transport activities in Cyprus: 

General Health and Safety legislation 

The Safety and Health at Work Law 89(I)/1996 is the general framework that includes the 

obligations of employees, self-employed, work equipment suppliers and employers. The latter 

refers to health and safety consultation and organisation, workplace arrangements, measures 

against hazardous sources and general obligations. The authority of occupational inspectors is 

also described. It was fully harmonized with Directive 89/391/EC through Law 25(I)/2002. 

Law 158(I)/2001 is an amendment to include dangerous substances. Law 41(I)/2003 settled 

issues regarding occupational doctors, whereas P.I. 628/2004 settled that specifications of 

general legislation on safety engineers and workers’ representation will apply to enterprises 

employing five or more workers. OHS organization is also described by P.I. 173/2002. Employee 

representation was also regulated by Order 1035/3.10.2005 (Pancypriot board of safety and 

health) and P.I. 134/1997. P.I. 530/2007 and P.I. 531/2007 deal with reporting of occupational 

accidents and diseases. 

On fixed term employment, P.I. 184/2002 adopted Directive 91/383/EEC and Law 99(I)/2003 

completed the harmonization of Directive 1999/70/EC. 

European legislation on Biological Agents (Directives 2000/54/EC, 93/88/EEC, 95/30/EC, 

97/59/EC, 97/67/EC, 90/679/EEC) was harmonised by P.I. 144/2001 and on Carcinogens 

(Directives 90/394/EEC, 97/42/EC and 1999/38/EC) by P.I. 153/2001 and P.I. 493/2004. 

Chemical substances (Directives 98/24/EC, 91/322/EEC, 2000/39/EC and 96/94/EC) are 

regulated by P.I. 268/2001 and its amendment, P.I. 55/2004 

Use of Work Equipment at Work (Directives 89/655/EEC, 95/63/EC) was settled by P.I. 

444/2001, Directive 2000/45/EC (ladders, ropes, and scaffolds) by P.I. 497/2004, Directives 

89/655/EEC, 95/63/EC (Use of Personal Protective Equipment at Work) by P.I. 470/2001 and 

Directive 90/270/EC (Visual Displays) by 455/2001. 



Directive 89/654/EEC (workplace specifications) was adopted through P.I. 174/2002 and P.I. 

494/2004 (electrical installations). Directive 90/269/EEC (Safety and Health Signs at Work) 

was adopted through P.I. 212/2000. 

Directives 86/188/EEC and 2003/10/EC (Protection from Noise) were adopted through P.I. 

230/2002 and P.I. 317/2006 respectively, whereas Directive 2002/44/EC (Protection from 

Vibrations) through P.I. 332/2005. Manual handling of loads is settled by P.I. 267/2001. 

Road transport-specific legislation 

The most important part on safety legislation for land transport in Cyprus deals with the 

transportation of dangerous goods (ADR) and the working time organisation for drivers. 

Cyprus recently adopted the ADR (European Agreement Concerning the International 

Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road), through Law 9(III)/2004 and training courses for 

drivers have been organised on transportation of dangerous goods as well as provisions for 

the registration and control of such vehicles. In any case, the implementation of the ADR in 

Cyprus is still limited. 

Working time organisation for drivers, i.e. the maximum permitted driving hours and minimum 

breaks (Regulations 3820/85/EEC, 3821/85/EEC, Directive 88/599/EEC) is regulated by Law 

137(I)/2004 and Law 47(I)/2005. 

General driving regulation has recently been updated by P.I. 4278/2008. 

Marine transport-specific legislation 

Cyprus has a long tradition in merchant shipping as a result of which there is extended legislation for 

merchant shipping in the country. 

General legislation for merchant shipping is provided by the Carriage of Goods by Sea Law, 

Cap. 263 and The Merchant Shipping (Safety Regulations and Seamen) Law, Cap. 292. 

Organisation of Working Time of Seafarers is settled by Law 79(I)/2003 and minimum 

requirements of medical treatment on board ships, by Law 175(I)/2002. 

Requirements and procedures for the safe loading and unloading of bulk carriers are 

described by Law 28(I)/2004. 

Marine Equipment for Merchant Shipping is described by Law 55(I)/2002 and its amendment 

Law 48(I)/2004 Law 110(I)/2006. A basic safety requirement (Double Hull or Equivalent 

Design Requirements for Single Hull Oil Tankers) was adopted by Law 121(I)/2004. 

Prohibition of Organotin Compounds on Ships was adopted by Law 167(I)/2004. 

For Fishing Vessels there is certain OHS legislation (Directive 93/103/EC), which is included 

in Law 160(I)/2002. 

Safety Rules and Standards for Passenger Ships are settled through Law 58(I)/2002 and its 

amendment Law 47(I)/2004. Regular Ro-Ro Ferry and High Speed Passenger Craft Services 

are regulated by Law 59(I)/2002 and its amendment, Law 46(I)/2004 and their stability 

requirements by Law 48(I)/2005.

Cyprus - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work - Europa

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