Workers Warned Collector on Impending Major Mishap at VSP
In the representation given to the collector last year, several trade union leaders representing the workers said hat the plant has witnessed an increase in fatal accidents, major equipment failures, and safety violations in recent years.
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2026-06-08 15:22 GMT
VISAKHAPATNAM: Representatives of permanent and contract workers at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), which operates the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, had earlier raised concerns over alleged safety lapses, environmental pollution and public health risks at the plant, warning that the situation could lead to a major industrial accident if corrective measures were not taken.
In a representation submitted to the district collector last year, trade union leaders alleged that the plant had witnessed an increase in fatal accidents, equipment failures and safety violations in recent years. They claimed that several safety guidelines issued by the Ministry of Steel were not being fully implemented and that standard operating and maintenance procedures were being overlooked in critical departments.
CITU leader Mani alleged that more than 5,000 experienced contract workers had been removed and replaced with unskilled workers.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle after Monday’s mishap in which eight workers were killed, she said workers had repeatedly raised concerns during internal meetings that maintenance activities had been neglected for the past two years, increasing the risk of major accidents.
The workers also alleged that the plant’s dust extraction systems had deteriorated, leading to the release of fine silica dust. They further expressed concern over the alleged emission of toxic gases and volatile organic compounds, including benzene, which they claimed posed health risks to workers and nearby residents.
The representation also highlighted concerns over the discharge of untreated industrial effluents into soil and coastal waters, warning of possible environmental damage and groundwater contamination. Workers alleged that many employees continued to work in extreme heat and dust conditions without adequate protective equipment.
Describing the situation as critical, worker representatives urged the government to constitute an independent expert committee to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the plant. They also sought an immediate safety audit, restoration of pollution-control systems, transparent reporting of accidents and a health survey covering employees and residents in surrounding areas.
They appealed for urgent intervention to ensure the safety of workers, nearby communities and the environment.