3. Summary of the risks in Livorno and Livorno province and general conclusion

Injuries are declining and Livorno in Tuscany as compared with the rest of the country, although in the year 2000 there was a slight increase in deaths.

In the year 2000 70,827 work injuries were reported in Italy, 90 of which were fatal. Around 8% of national injuries occur in Tuscany. In Livorno and Livorno province in the year 2000 there were 440 injuries reported in all sectors of activity, while in 2001 there were 584. In the metal mechanic sector there were 100 injuries in 2000 and 111 in 2001 (Source: USL6). There have been three fatal accidents at the Orlando shipyard.

Professional illness is increasing in Tuscany. In the year 2000 Tuscany accounted for 10% of the national figure. In the year 2000 there were 241 cases reported in Livorno in all industries and services.

Livorno also has the greatest number of tumour cases. This is in line with the expectations of INAIL and ISPESL, given the presence of the shipbuilding (and rail) industries which, particularly in the past, used asbestos and other substances. This especially affects joiners and mechanical and electric maintenance workers.

This general picture includes the situation of shipyards producing merchant ships and leisure boats.

From this summary we can conclude that from the economic point of view:

1- safety is strictly linked to company organisation and thus to productivity and quality of production. The prospects for revival of a company are linked not only to market prospects, which do not appear very positive for commercial shipbuilding, but also to the image of reliability and safety. For companies this is linked to efficient work organisation.

2- When a company is in economic difficulty the effects are immediately felt in matters of safety, which may be neglected in order to make time-savings, changing work rhythms and procedures in an effort to cover the costs incumbent on an inefficient organisation.

As we have pointed out the situation is different for the two sectors.

A- merchant shipbuilding is a mature sector technologically speaking and its manufacturing cycles have been widely studied in terms of risk of accident and professional illness.

The sector in Livorno is represented by the Orlando shipyard, which is under controlled administration. Like all shipyards, work at the Orlando involves many contractor companies. As a consequence special attention must be paid to safety matters. The poor prospects for the shipyard and its currently precarious position is, in our opinion, reflected in the accidents which have occurred.

B- the leisure boat-building industry is in the opposite situation. Despite the current slowdown the sector is in marked growth, has a substantial order book and high export figures. Italy is the foremost exporter in the world for leisure boats, and in particular mega yachts.

The sector uses not only traditional materials in its construction, but also makes use of new materials, which may involve risks which are not altogether recognised. (see part two).

Safety must be guaranteed not only to maintain a high-level international profile, but also because of strong competition to secure contractor companies with the necessary skills. Much of the activities contracted out are closely linked to the quality of the final product and are also among the most dangerous, such as painting. The current and short-term positive economic situation has for the moment guaranteed a high level of application of safety regulations.

In conclusion it can be stated that the correct application of safety regulations not only reflects the efficiency of the sector, but also guarantees it a workforce.