FINCANTIERI has cancelled a launch ceremony for the <em>Ruby Princess</em> at its Monfalcone yard after a worker died in an accident on board the vessel on Wednesday evening.&nbsp;<br /><br />Safety agencies were still investigating the death of 43-year old Fincantieri supervisor Mauro Sorgo this&nbsp;afternoon, but early indications suggested he died during a pre-announced black out test.&nbsp;<br /><br />He seems to have tried to squeeze through a heavy watertight door that closed upon him.&nbsp;<br /><br />Around 2,000 workers at Monfalcone went on an eight-hour strike today in protest at the fatality and to call for improved workplace security at the yard. There were two-hour strikes at other Fincantieri yards across Italy.&nbsp;<br /><br />The death is the second at Monfalcone this year, after a welder working on a steel plate was run down by a yard truck in April. Workplace safety has become a highly sensitive issue in Italy over the last two years given the depressingly high toll of death and serious injury every year.&nbsp;<br /><br />Fincantieri immediately called off the launch ceremony scheduled for this Saturday, which Renato Schifani, president of Italy&rsquo;s senate, was due to attend. The 116,000 gt Ruby Princess will now depart for Fort Lauderdale next Thursday for its christening before going into service in the Caribbean.&nbsp;<br /><br />In a statement, chief executive Giuseppe Bono expressed &ldquo;my own concern and the deep sympathy of the entire company for the loss or our worker. Unfortunately, I cannot restore him to his family, but I can promise that we will take care of them.&rdquo;&nbsp;<br /><br />Describing workplace safety as &ldquo;a priority&rdquo;, he also pledged stronger action &ldquo;to prevent such accidents happening. We will create a pool of experts together with the unions and governing bodies in order to push through a major workplace safety programme covering everything from investment to training to communication&rdquo; 