The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported that the Labour and Social Policy Ministry has suspended work on four construction sites and ceased the operation of various building equipment due to safety concerns, according to the Bulgarian newspaperSofia Echo.

The ministry inspected 14 construction sites in Bansko on July 26 and ordered the companies to submit paperwork demonstrating compliance with safety regulation by July 31, the article said.

The ministry’s inspection revealed alleged violations including unguarded openings and stairwells, equipment with unguarded moving parts, dangerous pits, makeshift electrical control panels and exposed feeder cables, according to the Sofia Echo report.

On the site, inspectors fined some employees for not wearing helmets, the report said, and six employees were found to be without employment contracts. According to the article, companies frequently hire workers without offering them contracts or national insurance.