Romanian welder died in accident at Fincantieri Marghera; other workers intoxicated

Update

Investigation into the death of a Romanian welder at Fincantieri Marghera; company cites natural causes, unions demand clarification

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of death of the 34-year-old Romanian worker who died on Wednesday, November 4, at Fincantieri Marghera while carrying out welding work in a confined space. Unlike previous versions pointing to possible toxic gas intoxication, the company informed unions that the death had natural causes, although unions dispute this interpretation and emphasize the need for strict adherence to safety measures in confined spaces. ^[2]

The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, around 11:00, aboard the ship under construction, 'Seven Seas Prestige'. The worker suddenly lost consciousness while performing welding work in a confined space. Two colleagues attempted to help him but also showed symptoms of illness and were transported to the hospital, according to reports by Il Fatto quotidiano. ^[2]

NBCR units of the fire brigade were requested to intervene to assess the risk of contamination with dangerous substances, with intoxication being the initial main hypothesis. However, the results of analyses carried out by these specialists have not yet been made available to the public, leaving the precise cause of the three workers' illness officially undetermined. ^[2]

Fincantieri conveyed condolences to the family and stated that it is cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation. The company insists on the version of natural causes for the death and emotional shock as the reason for the colleagues' state of wellness, a narrative disputed by unions focusing on unsafe working conditions. ^[2]

SPISAL inspectors (health and safety at work service) entered the scene to investigate the circumstances of the death. Precautionary measures led to the evacuation of the entire 'Seven Seas Prestige' ship, where workers had ended their shifts earlier. The incident area has been placed under judicial seal. ^[2]

The Fiom-Cgil union in Venice asked judicial authorities to 'fully elucidate' the incident, emphasizing that 'working in confined spaces requires a series of rigorous safety measures, imposed both by law and by company regulations'. The union condemned the fact that a worker employed by a subcontractor could no longer return home, drawing attention to the vulnerability of these categories of employees. ^[2]

Update

Romanian worker died at Fincantieri Marghera; Fincantieri invokes natural causes, unions contest

A 34-year-old Romanian worker died on Wednesday, November 4, while working at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, near Venice, Italy. ^[4]

The incident occurred on board the ship 'Seven Seas Prestige', while the victim was performing welding work in a confined space. One of the colleagues who tried to help felt ill immediately, and the other showed symptoms slightly later, both being transported to the hospital. ^[4]

Italian authorities have launched an investigation to precisely determine the causes of the worker's death, while the firm where he worked claims the death had 'natural causes'. ^[4]

The sudden illness experienced by the three individuals could have been caused by a substance leading to their intoxication. Indeed, NBCR units, a specialized branch of the Firefighters trained to act in environments with risk of contamination by dangerous substances, were requested to intervene. The results of analyses performed by them have not yet been released to the public. ^[4]

However, according to information transmitted by Fincantieri to unions, the victim would have died from natural causes, while the other two colleagues felt unwell due to the emotional shock caused by the death of the 34-year-old man. ^[4]

The company conveyed 'condolences' to the family for the worker's death and declared that it is 'fully at the disposal of the competent authorities', with whom it 'cooperates within the framework of investigations' to establish the facts and circumstances of the incident. ^[4]

Spisal inspectors and police teams collected samples and placed the incident area under judicial seal, while the ship was evacuated due to precautionary measures. Unions have requested clarification, emphasizing the necessity of strict adherence to safety measures in confined spaces. ^[4]

Update

Investigation into the death of a Romanian welder at Fincantieri Marghera: company invokes natural causes, unions seek clarification

An investigation is underway to determine the causes of death of a 34-year-old Romanian worker who died on Wednesday, November 4, while executing welding work in a confined space on board the ship 'Seven Seas Prestige' at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard, near Venice. The incident occurred around 11:00, when the victim suddenly lost consciousness. Two colleagues attempted to help him but also presented symptoms of illness and were transported to the hospital. The intervention of fire brigade NBCR units was requested to assess the risk of contamination with dangerous substances, the main initial hypothesis being intoxication with toxic gases. However, the results of analyses carried out by specialists have not yet been made available to the public, leaving the precise cause of the illness of the three workers officially undetermined.[s:E935119|Observator News] ^[3]

Fincantieri informed unions that the death had natural causes and that the other two colleagues felt unwell due to the emotional shock caused by the man's death, a narrative contested by unions. SPISAL inspectors (health and safety at work service) entered the scene to investigate the circumstances of the death. Precautionary measures led to the evacuation of the entire ship 'Seven Seas Prestige', where workers had ended their shifts earlier, and the incident area was placed under judicial seal.[s:E935119|Observator News] ^[3]

The Fiom-Cgil union in Venice asked judicial authorities to 'fully elucidate' the incident, emphasizing that 'working in confined spaces requires a series of rigorous safety measures, imposed both by law and by company regulations'. Unionists drew attention to the fact that it is being determined whether the worker fell ill due to natural causes, as the company's leadership claims, or if the incident is related to the performance of activities without necessary safety measures and authorizations. The worker community highlights the vulnerability of these categories of employees, especially those hired as subcontractors. If the suspicion regarding possible intoxication is confirmed, this would be the second death at a Fincantieri shipyard in the last month, following the one in Ancona on September 29, where two subcontracted workers were caught by a strong flame.[s:E935119|Observator News] ^[3]

Update

Romanian worker died at Fincantieri Marghera; 3 other workers intoxicated

A 34-year-old Romanian worker died after allegedly being intoxicated by toxic vapors. Three other people went to the hospital, complaining of malaise, one of whom is in critical condition. ^[5]

The Romanian welder, identified as Marius Hurba, died on Tuesday at a shipyard in Marghera, Venice. The incident led to the hospitalization of three other workers, one of whom is in critical condition, authorities suspecting possible intoxication by toxic vapors. ^[5]

'A 50-year-old worker is hospitalized at the Angelo Hospital in Mestre, presenting respiratory problems. He received medical care following the inhalation of harmful substances, but is out of any danger,' Italian press says. ^[5]

The victim worked as a subcontractor on a ship under construction at the shipyard in Marghera. The Romanian worker died around 10:30 while performing welding work in a confined space of the ship. ^[5]

Three colleagues intervened to save him but allegedly suffered from intoxication as well. One of them is hospitalized in critical condition, while the others are being treated. Firefighters and Spisal inspectors collected samples from the area where the welder was working. ^[5]

Initial checks indicate oxygen levels below legal limits, possibly due to toxic gases. According to Italian press, this is the fifth death recorded this year at Fincantieri, after four other fatal accidents in Palermo, Monfalcone, and Ancona. ^[5]

Update

The Argon Hypothesis: The Deadly Gas Behind the Death of a Romanian Welder at Fincantieri

The central hypothesis of the investigation, confirmed by new information, is that the tragedy was caused by the presence of argon gas, which would have caused a critical drop in oxygen concentration in the confined space where the welder was working, not by classic intoxication with toxic vapors. ^[6]

The meeting on Thursday, November 5, with union representatives brought out technical details contradicting the initial narrative of 'natural causes' invoked by Fincantieri. ^[6]

Unionists claim that the necessary authorizations and documents for work in confined spaces were not issued, and the incident stemmed directly from this administrative omission. ^[6]

Unions announced concrete protest measures: an eight-hour strike scheduled for Friday, November 6, and stopping overtime on the weekend, to demand protection for subcontracted workers. ^[6]

Fincantieri maintains its position that the death and the illness of colleagues are linked to emotional shock and natural causes, but recognizes the need for transparency regarding union accusations about the lack of authorizations. ^[6]

The Fiom-CGIL union requested an in-depth investigation into the direct responsibilities of shipyard managers, especially given prior signing of reports regarding deviations from safety. ^[6]

Strict safety rules in confined spaces, requiring constant verification of gases and adequate ventilation, were not properly applied. ^[6]

An Fincantieri employee reported deviations from security rules just one day before the tragedy, which could be crucial in establishing legal liability. ^[6]

The protests announced through the strike on November 6 and the ban on overtime reflect the outrage of the working community regarding the possible covering up of a major fault by management. ^[6]