A recent report by Tejarat News highlights the troubling state of construction worker safety in Iran. According to official data, almost six workers die daily due to hazardous work environments.

These fatalities are primarily caused by falls, electrocutions, and building collapses, all stemming from inadequate safety measures and training. The lack of basic protections for workers worsens the situation. Over 500,000 construction workers are still awaiting social security coverage, with many dying before ever receiving insurance. Akbar Shokat, head of the Iran Construction Workers’ Union, expressed concern over reduced worker insurance funding. He cited a directive from the Ministry of Interior that limits Social Security’s coverage based on available budget.

Shokat emphasized the challenges faced by workers, noting that contractors receive significant support from officials, leaving workers caught between excessive demands and insufficient protection. He also pointed to the tragic explosion in Tabas that claimed 52 miners’ lives as a reflection of the broader disregard for worker safety.

In addition to unsafe conditions, financial strain further burdens construction workers. While Iran’s minimum wage is roughly 11 million tomans, the cost of living in major cities exceeds 30 million tomans, forcing many into economic hardship. Despite numerous strikes and protests for better wages and timely payments, construction workers face systemic negligence. Without significant reforms in safety standards and worker protections, the lives of Iran’s construction workforce remain at serious risk.