Employer held liable for employee's fatal carbon monoxide poisoning

The Nicosia District Court's decision, which found an employer fully responsible for the death of a Romanian employee, has been upheld by the Court of Appeal. The employee, who performed roof insulation work, died from carbon monoxide poisoning while using a bathroom at a rental property provided by his employer as part of his remuneration.

Four days prior to the fatal incident, the employer had installed a liquid gas water heater in the bathroom. Despite the gas cylinder being placed outside, the device lacked a chimney or flue to vent exhaust gases, leading to the accumulation of lethal carbon monoxide. Following the appeal, the court confirmed the employer's exclusive liability and ordered the payment of €3,000 in costs, plus VAT, to the respondents. The legal proceedings were initiated by the administrators of the deceased's estate.