The State Labour Inspectorate will carry out its annual thematic inspection in construction companies from January 2026 until the end of the year. The aim of the thematic inspection is to promote compliance of construction companies with the requirements of occupational safety and labour law regulations, as well as to reduce the number of workplace accidents and cases of undeclared employment in the construction sector.

From an occupational safety perspective, construction is considered a high-risk industry. In 2024, 40 serious and four fatal workplace accidents occurred in construction. In 2025, 25 serious and three fatal workplace accidents were investigated in the construction sector (operational data as of 26 January 2026). In previous years, construction workers most often suffered serious injuries as a result of falls from height, due to non-compliant scaffolding or scaffolding that was not properly assembled to prevent fall risks. Insufficient control and supervision has also been observed regarding the use of personal protective equipment, for example, in cases where fall-arrest systems are issued to workers but no possibility is provided to anchor them in order to prevent falls. It has also been noted that excavations and construction pits with a risk of soil collapse are not secured with protective measures, or that such measures are not used during short-term works, on the assumption that nothing dangerous can happen.

During the thematic inspections, the State Labour Inspectorate will pay increased attention to how safely work at height is carried out, including roofing work, work on scaffolding, work in trenches and construction pits, the provision and use of personal protective equipment required for work, as well as the employment conditions of third-country nationals.

All representatives of the construction sector are encouraged to critically assess whether the working environment and work organisation comply with occupational safety and labour law requirements, and to actively engage in informing and educating employees about the importance and significance of compliance with occupational safety and labour law provisions.

We are open and ready to provide consultations if there are any questions or uncertainties regarding regulatory requirements. Consultations can be obtained electronically by writing to vdi@vdi.gov.lv.

Useful and valuable resources:

For training construction workers on workplace risks and safety issues, an e-learning course is available in the State Administration School’s learning management system (https://mps.vas.gov.lv/edu/scorm/material/573). The course includes theoretical explanations, practical video advice, and self-assessment opportunities.

A self-assessment checklist on compliance with occupational safety regulatory requirements in construction is available on the State Labour Inspectorate’s website: https://www.vdi.gov.lv/lv/buvniecibai, which allows verification of whether the most important occupational safety requirements are being observed at construction sites.