The Progresa and CEM unions have labeled the situation a “negligence,” accusing the leadership of the Mobility area of having hidden the report for nearly four years. This document, crucial for occupational risk prevention, detailed the dangers associated with the use of opacimeters, portable devices used to measure vehicle pollutant emissions.
The issue dates back to May 2022, when the Mobility area acquired three opacimeters. Since then, agents have used them daily to analyze gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons directly from the exhaust pipe, without adequate safety measures. This practice involves direct inhalation of toxic gases.
“"Risk of gas inhalation and carcinogenic agents."
The Madrid Salud report, issued one month after the devices began to be used, identified two critical risks: being run over and, more concerning, the inhalation of gases and carcinogenic agents. To mitigate the latter, it recommended limiting exposure to two hours per agent per day and staff rotation. Burn risks and the need for ergonomic measures were also mentioned.
Mobility agents state they never received the report or were informed of the risks. The proposed corrective and preventive measures, such as the use of FFP2 masks, heat-resistant gloves, and specific training on chemical risks, were not implemented. According to union sources, the report was sent to the deputy general director and her technical advisor, who were aware of the risks.
Agents only became aware of the document's existence in October 2025, when they requested access to it. They have reported that “it was kept in a drawer and never applied” and have demanded explanations from the general directorate and the area delegate. The general secretary of Progresa, Chema Sánchez, believes these events could constitute a violation of the Occupational Risk Prevention Law and have criminal consequences.
The delegate for Urban Planning, Environment, and Mobility, in statements made in early April, assured that the City Council provides agents with the necessary materials and that a safety protocol is followed. However, agents reject these claims and denounce irregularities in the technical control of the devices, which have not undergone the mandatory annual metrological verification since their acquisition.
