Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov urged to apply most severe measures to chiefs of enterprises not fulfilling labour protection requirements at the extended session of the Republican interdepartmental commission on labour protection. The session was held at the RT Government House in format of video conference.

Opening the session, Ildar Khalikov stated that in first half-year of 2012 the situation with labour safety had not improved and the rate of industrial injuries had not reduced.

According to the data presented by Head of the republican Government, the number of people died of industrial accidents has increased from 39 to 47 people.

Ildar Khalikov noted that agriculture is still the most problematic sphere, since 11 workers have died during the year. Construction industry is also a very injury-risk sphere. 14 people have died for 6 months of 2012.

“Unfortunately, we only face facts and investigate accidents which have already happened. By the way, main task is prevention and application of severe measures to violators. It has to do with municipalities,” the Tatarstan President said.

The Minister of labour, employment and social protection Airat Shafigullin informed that more than 6 thousand violations in the sphere of labour protection have been revealed in first half-year of 2012.

According to the RT Premier, 90% of accidents are caused by non-fulfillment of labour protection requirements by employers. He urged to apply severer measures to violators, such as discharge from office, and criminal responsibility.

During the session representatives of the RT Ministry of construction, architecture, housing and utilities, Ministry of agriculture and foodstuff, and chief of the Kazan executive committee Aleksei Pesoshin presented their reports.