A 60-year-old worker lost his life this Monday while cleaning a school by himself in Móstoles, during a period of intense heat, according to the Más Madrid group. The tragedy has drawn attention to the risks faced by outside contractors in municipal facilities and the need for robust safety measures when staffing is limited, especially in hot weather.
The Más Madrid deputy told parliament and posted on social media that a resident who handled school cleaning duties in Móstoles died yesterday. She called for a full clarification of the circumstances surrounding the incident and extended her deepest condolences to the worker’s family and friends. This update comes from Emilio Delgado, who has been vocal about public service safety and labor conditions in the area.
A representative from the cleaning sector confirmed that a worker died yesterday in Móstoles and stressed the necessity to determine precisely how the event occurred. The deputy emphasized the importance of support for the families affected and the need to review safety protocols, particularly when staff coverage is uneven between shifts and when students are absent during school holidays.
Union delegates had previously raised concerns with the contractor, Camacho Cleaning, about staffing levels and safety practices. The Más Madrid parliamentarian indicated that the concerns had not been fully resolved at the time, but noted that the matter would be reviewed in light of the incident. The conversation underscores ongoing discussions about outsourcing arrangements in municipal services and how they impact worker protections.
The local council has a role to play in overseeing outsourced services and ensuring contractors meet safety standards. Delgado highlighted that administrative authorities can exert pressure on contractors to improve working conditions, and called for clear action to prevent similar tragedies in the future. This incident has intensified dialogue about how to balance efficient public services with rigorous safeguards for those who perform essential cleaning duties in schools and other public buildings. The aim is to guarantee that workers are never left alone during vulnerable hours and that appropriate supervision and weather-related risk controls are in place.
In light of the episode, labor advocates and city officials are likely to reassess policies on staffing during the holiday season, heat advisories, and the allocation of responsibilities across different shifts. Observers note that proper risk assessments, buddy systems, access to hydration, and scheduled breaks during peak heat periods can significantly reduce the exposure of outdoor and indoor maintenance staff to extreme temperatures. The incident serves as a reminder that educational facilities must prioritize worker safety as a core element of their operations, alongside the delivery of clean and safe environments for students and school personnel. It also raises questions about contractor accountability and the mechanisms by which the city can enforce higher standards when outsourcing essential services to private companies. The broader takeaway is a push for transparent investigations, concrete reforms, and more robust protections for workers who keep schools running day in and day out. The family of the deceased, as well as colleagues and supporters, await updates from authorities and the contractor as investigations proceed. The public — including unions and community organizations — remains focused on ensuring that similar incidents are not repeated and that clear steps are taken to improve safety across all municipal cleaning contracts.