The Minister of Labor and Labor Development, Jackeline Muñoz, revealed labor irregularities following the April 6th explosion that caused the death of one worker and left several injured in La Boca, under the Bridge of the Americas. "Less speeches and press releases from your part, more responsibility, gentlemen," stated Muñoz in reference to the company in question. In turn, the company Panamá Oil Terminals, S. A. issued a statement on Tuesday morning about the incident. Through her social networks, Muñoz questioned the company Panamá Oil Terminals, S. A. and emphasized that workplace safety cannot be negotiated. "There are clear facts here: high-risk work and a foreign worker without a work permit since 2021. That is unacceptable," she affirmed. She also stressed that companies have the responsibility to comply with the law and protect their staff. "That is not an error, it is a serious failure of the company's compliance," the minister sentenced. The official reiterated that "no operation, contract or business can be above the life of a worker" and underlined that she cannot be indifferent to the loss of a human life under these circumstances. "From the Ministry of Labor, we will act firmly. We express our deepest regret for the death of a person and the injuries suffered by others," she indicated. The company explained that the accident involved the explosion of a tanker truck in areas operated by Environmental Solutions Development Inc., a company with which it maintains a sublease contract for tanks and operational areas. Additionally, it assured that emergency protocols were activated from the moment of the accident and that they are fully collaborating with the competent authorities. "We make all the information and necessary resources available to clarify the causes and circumstances of the event," the document states. Finally, the company highlighted that workplace safety is the priority that guides its operations and that this event forces them to redouble their measures "so that situations like these do not happen again," while investigations continue.
