The partial collapse of the Torre dei Conti in Rome has resulted in the tragic death of a worker and reignited concerns over workplace safety in Italy. On March 25, 2025, a 66-year-old Romanian man, Octav Stroici, succumbed to injuries sustained when he was trapped under rubble for several hours. The incident occurred during renovation work funded by the European Union in a busy area near the Colosseum.
Following the tragedy, Natale Di Cola, secretary general of the CGIL union in Rome, expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Today is a day of pain and anger.” The union organized a torchlight procession to honor Stroici, highlighting the ongoing toll of workplace accidents in Italy. An investigation into the collapse is currently underway, with reports from a colleague suggesting that the construction site was “not safe.”
The CGIL reported that approximately 575 people have died in workplace accidents in Italy since the beginning of 2025, as per data from Inail, the national insurance agency. The construction and manufacturing sectors account for a significant portion of these fatalities. While the incident rate is marginally above the EU average, the frequency of these tragedies raises serious concerns about safety practices and regulations.
Government Response and Union Concerns
On the same day as the tower collapse, four additional workplace fatalities were reported across Italy, further underscoring the urgency of the situation. Among the victims was a 31-year-old worker who fell in a quarry in Brescia and a 63-year-old construction worker who died following an accident near Naples.
In response to these continuing tragedies, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni‘s government recently introduced a new law aimed at enhancing workplace safety. This legislation includes a nationwide electronic badge system for construction workers and increased inspections, alongside financial incentives for companies that demonstrate a commitment to reducing workplace accidents. The UIL union offered a “positive assessment” of the new measures but cautioned that “there is still much to be done.”
Francesca Re David, confederal secretary of the CGIL, criticized the reforms as “extremely limited,” arguing they do not sufficiently address the urgent safety needs within the sector. The unions are calling for more comprehensive measures to protect workers.
Personal Accounts of Workplace Hazards
The personal stories of affected workers illustrate the grim reality of workplace safety issues in Italy. Antonino Ferrara, a 29-year-old who suffered a severe injury at a factory in northern Italy, recounted the moment his arm was caught in an aluminium melting press. He described the experience as life-altering, stating, “My world collapsed at that moment.” Ferrara received no formal training and was not equipped with the necessary protective gear, highlighting critical lapses in safety protocols.
Fabrizio Potetti, regional secretary of CGIL in Lazio, pointed to the lack of safety standards among subcontractors as a significant issue. He noted that while large companies may maintain low accident rates, small and medium-sized firms often experience higher rates of incidents due to inadequate training and safety measures. The UIL union echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for improved training quality and a crackdown on undeclared work.
Ivana Veronese, confederal secretary of UIL, reiterated the unions’ commitment to advocating for worker safety, declaring, “The lives of workers must be respected and protected, to achieve the only tolerable number — zero.” As these discussions continue, the recent tower collapse serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring safe working conditions across Italy.
