POLICE yesterday launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a Romanian construction worker who died from heatstroke late Friday.
The 47-year-old died in hospital where he was rushed on Thursday morning with heatstroke symptoms.
He was one of two foreign workers hospitalised with heatstroke that day as the highest temperature reached 39 degrees Celsius, five degrees higher than the average for this time of year.
The second man, whose identity has not been released, is still in serious but not life-threatening condition, doctors said. There were no other admissions for similar cases.
Police said they have taken a number of statements, including some from civil engineers. Yesterday, they were expected to take a statement of the contractor of the private construction firm.
“We are in constant contact with the labour inspection department to secure any documents they have in relation with the incident since they were informed before the police,” the force’s spokesman Michalis Katsounotos said.
He added that the object of the investigation would be whether the contractor had taken all necessary measures to protect his workers from heatstroke.
Despite the unseasonably high temperatures, the labour inspection department did not deem it necessary to issue an order banning workers from labouring in the heat.
Such orders are issued during higher temperatures – normally over 40 degrees – and after considering conditions like humidity, heat and wind.
Following the incident, the department did urge outdoor workers to take measures to protect themselves from the sun.
Labour Minister Sotiroulla Charalambous said the department always issued timely orders for interruption of work when necessary and noted the employers’ responsibility.
“I want to stress the responsibility each employer has, especially where work is done in open areas, to take protective measures and provide the proper means,” the minister said.
The weather today will mainly clear with temperatures inland reaching 37 degrees Celsius, a slight drop from the past few days.
Temperatures in coastal areas will be between 31 and 32 degrees with mountainous regions experiencing the lowest temperatures at 27 degrees.
Tomorrow temperatures will rise slightly again while Tuesday will not see any major changes.
Several people died and numerous others were hospitalised during a heat wave in June 2007.
Temperatures at the time exceeded 40 degrees, mostly affecting the elderly.
Heat stroke symptoms can sometimes mimic those of a heart attack or other conditions, and sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to heatstroke.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and aches, and dizziness.
However, in some cases people can develop heat stroke without any of the above. The most common heat stroke symptoms include: high body temperature, absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, hallucinations confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure or even coma.
Doctors advise seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms appear, in order to prevent organ damage.
To prevent heatstroke drink plenty of fluids, take electrolytes, limit strenuous activity and wear hats and lightweight loose clothing.
