Man, 63, dies in accident at Chilean fish farm

Health and safety officials have begun an investigation into the death of a worker in an accident at a fish farm in Chile.

The 63-year-old diving supervisor, who has not been named, died after being hit on the head during a lifting manoeuvre at the site located near Clemente Island in the Aysén region.

“Between July 25 and 26, we went to the site where a worker died while working in a farming center, where as a result of a material lifting manoeuvre this person suffered a strong blow to the skull, which would have caused death,” said Carlos Arteaga Millacari, an official with the regional health ministry’s occupational health unit.

“We call for reflection by companies and workers, regarding the fact that the most precious asset is the life of people, and there should not be any productive urgency that puts it at risk.”

Heavy impact

Based on preliminary information, the worker suffered a heavy material impact on his head, which caused bleeding and loss of consciousness, and his evacuation by sea to Puerto Aysén for more specialised health care. Unfortunately, the worker died during his arrival in Puerto Chacabuco.

The Aysén regional health minister, Soledad Acevedo Díaz, called on regional companies and their workers to reinforce self-care measures in work areas.

“Along with regretting this tragic accident, we reiterate to local companies and their workers that they maximise their occupational safety protocols: that companies adopt all security measures, especially those that take place in outdoor environments; and that workers adopt self-care actions and comply with the indications of risk preventionists, since only through comprehensive work can occupational risks be reduced and serious accidents avoided.”