One of the two workers from the Empresa de Perforación y Extracción de Petróleo (EPEP) in Varadero who inhaled toxic gases while repairing an underground gas leak passed away this Friday, according to the company's announcement on social media.
EPEP Varadero identified the victim as Renier García Gómez, who served as the head of Collector Center 7 and was described as a "young man dedicated to the oil cause." The official source did not provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding the worker's death.
However, just a few hours earlier, a social media post was seeking ampoules of Vitamin C for the young man who has now passed away. "10 ampoules of Vitamin C are needed, which are unavailable both at the Faustino Pérez Hospital and the Cárdenas Hospital for the young man involved in the oil accident who inhaled toxic gas. His name is Renier García Gómez," read the post, which included a contact phone number.
"Just as there are days when we meet people who become dear to us, there are also days when we have to say goodbye forever, as we do today to the young reserve Renier García. His death will not only bring sadness to family and coworkers but to all who knew him throughout his life. Goodbye, comrade and friend. Rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to his family," wrote the oil company in another farewell message.
The news was first announced this Thursday through the Cardenenses Facebook group, where it was indicated that the accident victims were initially treated at the Santa Marta polyclinic, then transferred to Cárdenas, and finally to a hospital in the main municipality. According to previous, unofficial reports, the young men were reported in serious condition, but at least one had shown some improvement.
Workplace Accidents in Cuba
In March, the Cuban government reported that the number of workplace accidents in Cuba decreased in 2023, but the death toll remained at the same levels as in 2022. In a report titled "Work Protection. Selected Indicators," the state-run National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) noted that a total of 1,491 workplace accidents occurred on the island between January and December 2023.
The mortality rate, which represents the number of deaths per 1,000 injured, increased from 30.3 to 33.8 points, mainly due to incidents in Agriculture, Construction, and the Supply of Electricity, Gas, and Water.
FAQs About Workplace Safety and Accidents in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions about workplace safety and accidents in Cuba, particularly in light of the recent incident at the Varadero oil company.
What caused the gas leak at the Varadero oil company?
The gas leak occurred while workers were repairing an underground gas line. The exact details of the cause have not been disclosed.
How common are workplace accidents in Cuba?
According to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), there were 1,491 workplace accidents in Cuba between January and December 2023. The mortality rate for these accidents has slightly increased.