A 35-year-old lineman from Havana's Electrical Company, Osmani Hernández Madroza, sustained injuries during a work accident on Friday. While performing repairs on a damaged main line at the intersection of Pepe Prieto and San Manuel in the San Miguel del Padrón municipality, Hernández came into contact with a split conductor, resulting in electrical burns to both arms. Despite the severity of the incident, he remained conscious and was promptly taken to Miguel Enríquez Hospital for medical care.
Public Outcry Over Emergency Response Failures
The accident has sparked concern and outrage among local residents. Many took to social media to criticize the slow response of firefighters and the lack of immediate action from the company. According to accounts shared on the Facebook page La Tijera, locals themselves intervened due to the absence of official help, bringing Hernández down from the pole and transporting him to the hospital in a private vehicle.
It was also revealed that Hernández had repeatedly requested to leave his job over the past three months, citing unsafe working conditions. However, the company denied these requests, citing a "staff shortage," which forced him to remain in a high-risk position without proper safety measures, as reported by those close to him.
Ongoing Investigation by Electrical Company
The Havana Electrical Company has stated that its management and colleagues are currently supporting Hernández's family at the hospital. Meanwhile, Workplace Safety and Health specialists are investigating the circumstances of the accident to determine its causes.
This incident comes just over a year after another young worker from the same company was electrocuted while working on a pole in Punta Brava, La Lisa, an event that also faced criticism due to the delayed emergency response.
The current condition of lineman Osmani Hernández remains critical. Neighbors, family, and social media users are calling for prayers for his recovery and demanding accountability for what they believe was a preventable accident.
Key Questions on Workplace Safety and Emergency Response in Cuba
What caused Osmani Hernández's accident?
Osmani Hernández's accident was caused by contact with a split conductor while repairing a damaged line, which resulted in electrical burns to his arms.
How did local residents respond to the accident?
Local residents criticized the slow emergency response and took action themselves by lowering Hernández from the pole and transporting him to the hospital in a private vehicle.
What has been the company's response to the incident?
The Havana Electrical Company is supporting Hernández's family and has launched an investigation into the accident to determine its causes.