Work Accidents: BTPH Sector on the Front Lines

The Algerian construction, public works, and hydraulics (BTPH) sector is facing a critical juncture, with alarming statistics on workplace accidents highlighting significant safety deficiencies. In 2025, the nation recorded close to 55,000 work accidents, a figure that underscores the inherent risks within the industry, particularly in Algeria where numerous projects are underway. The prevalence of falls from height as the leading cause of injury in the BTPH sector points to a systemic failure in implementing basic safety protocols, such as the provision and use of personal and collective protective equipment.

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The sector of building, public works and hydraulics (BTPH) is, unsurprisingly, at the forefront of danger zones. In this field, falls from height remain the main and most formidable cause of accidents.

This situation is not merely about acute incidents; it extends to the long-term health of workers. The reported 400 annual cases of occupational diseases, including hearing loss due to noise exposure and ailments from handling hazardous materials, reveal a deeper, more insidious threat. The complex and often inadequate process for officially recognizing these conditions means the true scale of the problem may be underestimated, leaving many workers without proper recourse or compensation.

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The inspections carried out in the field regularly point to the absence or flagrant insufficiency of individual (PPE) and collective (EPC) protective equipment.

While Algeria has a regulatory framework in place, including a list of 85 recognized occupational diseases, its application is inconsistent. The insufficient awareness among both employers and employees about safety regulations and preventative measures exacerbates the problem. Addressing this requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on stricter enforcement, enhanced training, and a cultural shift towards prioritizing worker safety above all else. The high number of accidents and occupational illnesses demands urgent attention to ensure the well-being of the workforce driving the nation's development.

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Among the most recurrent conditions, we find 'occupational deafness, caused by continuous and prolonged exposure to noise, a direct consequence of the incessant din of machines without hearing protection, as well as diseases resulting from the handling of toxic substances, such as lead'.