L’Alacantí – La Marina UGT issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the death of a worker in Finestrat following an on-site incident. The organization extended its condolences to the worker’s family and loved ones, acknowledging the tragedy that struck a 41-year-old employee last Friday at a facility situated on Alicante street in the Marina Baja region.
In its assessment, the union noted that, due to the lack of available incident details, current information points toward failures in basic preventive measures. Colleagues of the deceased observed that forklift operations should be equipped with safety devices designed to prevent access to elevator shafts while the machine is in motion, underscoring a critical safety gap that may have contributed to the event.
UGT also addressed the broader pattern they see locally, arguing that the province faces ongoing challenges with preventable occupational hazards. The union described a perceived culture of scant investment in risk prevention by some operators, which they say endangers the safety and health of workers in various sectors. The emphasis remains on enforcing strong safeguards that protect workers at all times.
A 38-year-old worker in Orihuela died when a 400-pound pallet fell on him.
In their latest briefing, the union categorized this incident as a severe misfortune, aligning with the data from INVASSAT that chronicles occupational accidents within the Alicante province over the past year. The report highlights a total of 16,225 sick-leave incidents, marking a 10.2% rise from the preceding year and signaling broader health and safety concerns across workplaces.
UGT notes that the trend toward more serious outcomes appears increasingly alarming. During the period from February 2022 to January 2023, 27 workers lost their lives, an increase of 15 fatalities compared with the prior interval, equating to a 125% jump. The union urges authorities and employers to intensify preventive measures and enforcement to avert further tragedies.
Looking ahead, UGT pledges to continue voicing condemnation of any practices that undermine workers’ safety rights. The organization calls for stronger action and greater authority for competent public administrations to address unsafe conditions and to deter violations that risk workers’ lives. The overarching message is clear: protecting workers requires vigilance, accountability, and consistent investment in safety and health programs across all industries.