The partial collapse of the medieval Torre dei Conti in Rome has resulted in the tragic death of a construction worker and has drawn attention to Italy’s persistent issues with workplace safety. On March 11, 2025, a 66-year-old Romanian national, Octav Stroici, succumbed to injuries sustained after being trapped under the rubble for hours. The incident occurred during renovation work funded by the European Union, and it has reignited discussions about the safety protocols in place at construction sites across the country.
Following the incident, Natale Di Cola, Secretary General of the CGIL union in Rome, expressed profound sorrow, stating, “Today is a day of pain and anger.” The CGIL organized a torchlight procession to honor Stroici, highlighting the emotional toll such tragedies take on families and communities. An investigation is currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collapse, which occurred in a bustling area near the Colosseum.
The CGIL has called for immediate action from both governmental and corporate entities, asserting that the situation demands a decisive response. According to Inail, the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work, approximately 575 individuals have died in workplace accidents in Italy so far in 2025. Construction and manufacturing sectors have been the most affected, drawing attention to an alarming trend that continues to plague the industry.
Ongoing Safety Concerns and Legislative Changes
Despite the incident rate being only slightly above the European Union average, the frequency of workplace accidents in Italy has raised serious concerns. On the same day as the tower collapse, four additional fatalities were reported in separate workplace incidents, including a 31-year-old who fell while working in a quarry in the Brescia area, and a 63-year-old construction worker who died nearly two months after an accident near Naples.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister, has introduced a new law aimed at improving workplace safety. This legislation, which emerged after extensive discussions with trade unions, includes provisions for a nationwide electronic badge system for construction workers, enhanced inspections, and financial incentives for companies that successfully reduce accidents. While the UIL union has given a positive assessment of the measures, they have cautioned that “there is still much to be done.”
The CGIL’s Francesca Re David has criticized the new safety measures as “extremely limited,” arguing that they do not adequately tackle the pressing issues facing workers. The call for more comprehensive reforms reflects a growing frustration within the unions regarding the government’s response to workplace safety.
Personal Stories Highlight the Human Cost
The impact of workplace accidents extends beyond statistics. Antonino Ferrara, a 29-year-old factory worker, recounted his harrowing experience of having his arm crushed in an aluminium melting press in 2022. He described the moment as when “my world collapsed,” underscoring the psychological and physical scars such incidents leave on workers. Ferrara noted a lack of proper training and safety gear, which he believes contributed to his accident. Investigations later revealed that no safety systems were in place at his workplace.
According to Fabrizio Potetti, regional secretary of CGIL in Lazio, a significant issue lies in the differing safety standards among subcontractors. Large companies often maintain low accident rates, yet smaller subcontractors frequently cut corners on safety and training, leading to higher risks for workers. The UIL union has echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for better training and measures to address undeclared work.
As Italy grapples with these ongoing challenges, the collective voices of trade unions emphasize the urgent need for reforms that will prioritize the safety and well-being of workers. Ivana Veronese, confederal secretary of UIL, made a poignant statement regarding the responsibility of industry leaders: “We cannot stop. The lives of workers must be respected and protected, to achieve the only tolerable number—zero.”
The tragic collapse of the Torre dei Conti serves as a stark reminder of the work still needed to ensure the safety of workers in Italy, as the nation seeks to balance construction demands with the imperative of protecting lives.
