The 36 workers present inhaled carbon monoxide and had to be rushed to the hospital. Tragically, six of them died and two are still in critical condition.
Many slam the accident as a result of a lack of safety measures. Sanjay Kumar Singh, General Secretary of the INTUC led union, alleges that plant management has been neglecting safety measures and regular maintenance in the plant.
Union leaders have now successfully demanded the installment of gas indicators, buzzer alarm, safety aids, rest room, etc, which management has accepted.
Sudhershan Rao Sarde, IndustriALL regional secretary says:
“The number of industrial accidents is increasing in India. There is a lack of adequate safety inspectors to match the growing needs.
More and more contract and sub contract workers are hired. Often they don’t have the necessary qualifications to understand safety, and management is guilty of gross negligence when not providing safety training.