While working in a park

City gardener dies on duty in Vienna

In this park in Floridsdorf, the city gardener collapsed while watering the trees and flowers.

(Bild: Groh Klemens)

An employee of the Vienna City Gardens collapsed in the sweltering heat while watering the gardens on Haspingerplatz in Floridsdorf. All attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful. While the city emphasizes that it protects its employees against the heat, the deceased's colleagues have voiced criticism.

Has the heatwave claimed another life? On Monday afternoon, a municipal gardener collapsed at work in Haspingerpark in Floridsdorf. Resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. According to "Krone" information, the 56-year-old man was taken to hospital by the professional rescue service, where he eventually died. Colleagues suspect that the physical activity under the blazing sun had become too much for him. And they criticize the lack of protective measures on the part of the employer.

"Parks are not a heat zone"
A spokeswoman for the Municipal Gardens (MA 42), however, explains: "According to current knowledge, there are no indications that the death is related to the current temperatures, partly due to the watering work being carried out and the location. The Haspingerplatz park is not a heat zone due to its shade and old trees." In addition, on hot days, lighter work will be forced and summer work clothing (T-shirt, shorts if possible) will be worn, it is said.

City gardeners are also reminded to drink enough and wear headgear.

Wiener Stadtgärten, MA 42

The deceased employee had worked for MA 42 since 2010. His unexpected death has deeply shocked the department and his colleagues. The police have ruled out the possibility that he was not at fault.

900 to 1000 calls per day
Whether due to heat or other causes, Vienna's professional rescue service is currently recording 900 to 1000 call-outs per day. "No more than usual," says MA-70 spokeswoman Corina Had. We can only speculate as to why this is the case. Is it because many people are on vacation and not in the city? Or because most people are now following the heat tips: Drink plenty (but not alcohol), don't exert yourself outdoors or only at off-peak times, avoid direct sunlight.