Agricultural worker dies in Sicilian greenhouse; heat stress not ruled out

A 61-year-old agricultural worker of Algerian origin died of cardiac arrest while tending to tomato plants in a greenhouse in Pachino, located in the Siracusa province of Sicily. The agricultural union Flai Cgil brought attention to the incident, emphasizing concerns regarding the response time of emergency services, noting that the ambulance had to travel from Sortino.

The union is advocating for a suspension of work during the hottest parts of the day, extending this call to greenhouse labor. While a regional ordinance from June 12th prohibits direct sun exposure due to extreme heat, it does not specifically address greenhouse conditions, where temperatures can still become dangerously high. Flai Cgil is also calling for an enhancement of ambulance services in the Siracusa territory, which they consider to be inadequate.

The incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by agricultural workers in Italy during periods of intense heat, particularly those in vulnerable employment situations. The union's demands highlight a need for clearer regulations and improved emergency response infrastructure to protect these workers.

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The Flai Cgil highlighted concerns about the ambulance's response time and is calling for a halt to work during peak heat hours, even in greenhouses.