Mishaps Cast Shadow Over Safety at Vizag Steel Plant
Workers demand safety overhaul after fatal accident kills eight employees
Visakhapatnam: The Monday evening’s fatal accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant that killed eight people and injured six more has once again brought the issue of safety in the plant into sharp focus
The incident revived memories of several major mishaps at the plant over the years.
On June 13, 2012, an explosion at the oxygen plant claimed the lives of 19 employees and workers. The blast occurred when pressure in an oxygen pipeline reportedly rose unexpectedly, causing the pipeline to burst and ignite a massive fire.
The accident took place while officials and workers were inspecting a technical problem in the oxygen supply system.
The victims included three deputy general managers, senior managers, consultants and contract workers. While some died on the spot, several others died of severe burn injuries later.
Earlier that year, on May 1, 2012, two contract workers were burnt alive and two others seriously injured in an explosion at Blast Furnace-III.
In May 2012, a fire in the Sinter Plant destroyed a conveyor belt carrying raw materials to a newly commissioned blast furnace, causing production losses estimated at `1 crore. In February 2012, a large quantity of molten metal spilled in the Steel Melting Shop, resulting in significant damage.
A series of accidents were reported in 2011. A major fire in the Steel Melting Shop in April that year caused losses estimated at `60 crore after a ladle carrying around 140 tonnes of molten steel fell. Other incidents included molten metal spills, fires in the Raw Material Handling Plant, conveyor belt failures and a blaze at the Coke Drying and Cooling Plant.
Last year, a fire triggered by a hydraulic oil leak following a short circuit in the Steel Melting Shop was brought under control by firefighters, preventing a major disaster.
With the latest accident added to the long list of industrial incidents, concerns are growing among workers and trade unions over safety standards at the plant. Employees have called for a comprehensive safety review, modernization of critical equipment and stricter implementation of safety protocols to prevent further loss of life and property.
The recurring accidents have renewed demands for urgent measures to ensure the safety of thousands of workers employed at the steel plant.
