A worker died after receiving an electric shock while installing a sign

By Ashley Benavidez

Worker died electrocuted while changing an advertising billboard in Dolores

A tragic work accident occurred this Wednesday in the city of Dolores, department of Soriano, when a man of 43 years He lost his life after receiving a 15 thousand volt electric shock while working on renovating an advertising sign.

The victim, along with two co-workers, was carrying out maintenance tasks on a sign located on the left bank of the San Salvador River, at the height of the route 21, at the entrance to the city. The three were employees of a local printing company hired to change the poster canvas.

A rod, a cable and a deadly shock

According to police sources, the worker was placing a metal rod when unintentionally touched a power line cable, receiving a strong shock that left him unconscious immediately.

The impact was so powerful that the man was suspended by the safety harness that he was wearing, several meters high. His companions, with the help of neighbors and motorists who were passing by, managed to get him down quickly.

Resuscitation attempts and death

A team of mobile emergency service He immediately arrived at the scene and began resuscitation maneuvers for almost 40 minutes. Despite medical efforts, the worker died at the scene due to the severity of the discharge.

The event generated shock among the residents of Dolores, since the site of the accident is a busy area for those entering the city from the south of the country.

Tax investigation underway

The Departmental Prosecutor of Dolores, Carla Murchio, took over the investigation of the case. He ordered the carrying out of a autopsy and different electrical and labor expert reports to determine corresponding responsibilities.

Sources close to the investigation indicated that they are seeking to establish whether the area had the necessary security measures and if it had been coordinated with UTE interruption of the electrical supply before starting work.

Job security: an outstanding debt

This new accident once again puts into debate the work safety conditions in height tasks and in areas with electrical risk. Unions in the graphic and advertising sector have repeatedly demanded greater training and control over this type of work, which involves direct contact with metal structures and electrical lines.

According to data from State Insurance Bank (BSE), work accidents due to electrocution, although rare, remain one of the most lethal causes in urban and rural maintenance works.

Reactions and call for prevention

Neighbors in the area expressed their regret for the tragedy and demanded greater signage and supervision in works of this type. “It is a tragedy that could have been avoided with a prior disconnection or a security perimeter,” said a witness to the event. Uruguay a Day.

The Municipality of Soriano also evaluates additional control measures for tasks in public spaces, with the aim of avoiding new accidents.