Third Worker Death in Italy Raises Safety Concerns

Rome: A worker was electrocuted in the Ciociaria area between Rome and Naples Monday, marking the third accidental death of a worker on the same day. This tragic incident follows the death of a construction worker who fell near Naples and another fatality at a metal plant in Veneto.

According to Ansa News Agency, the 47-year-old worker from San Nicandro Garganico, in the province of Foggia, was employed by a maintenance company when he was killed by an electric discharge around 5 pm. The incident took place in Paliano, located in the northern part of the province of Frosinone, bordering the province of Rome. The worker was engaged in maintenance work on a photovoltaic system on via Bosco Castello, specifically replacing and maintaining some panels. Despite the intervention of the 118 health personnel, they were unable to save him.

Earlier in the afternoon, another construction worker died after falling during renovation work on the facade of a building within a private courtyard near Naples. The accident occurred in Frattamaggiore, Naples, on via Padre Vergara. The man succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The Carabinieri of the local station and ASL personnel responded to the scene, and investigations are currently underway to determine the exact circumstances of the accident.

In a separate incident earlier on Monday, a 58-year-old man lost his life while working at the ‘Aristoncavi’ metal plant in the Veneto town of Brendola, near Vicenza. In response to these incidents, Premier Giorgia Meloni announced that her government is allocating 650 million euros to enhance workplace health and safety. This move comes shortly before the May Day national holiday. Additionally, the government plans to meet with trade unions on May 8 to address health and safety concerns.

Workplace accident insurance agency INAIL reported on Monday that work-related deaths have increased by 8.37% to 205 in the first quarter of the year.