Industrial mishaps on rise, task force yet to begin work

Tribune News Service

Ambika Sharma

Solan, March 31

More than a month after it was constituted, the inter-departmental task force supposed to examine the shortcomings of all industrial units in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh cluster is yet to begin its work. The force was constituted after a massive fire had gutted a perfume manufacturing unit at Jharmajri in Barotiwala where nine workers had lost their lives on February 2. It was supposed to conduct a safety audit of all units within a month.

Other Fatalities since march

• Several industrial mishaps have occurred since February 2, where a production manager of a ceiling fan manufacturing company suffered burn injuries in a fire, besides another losing his life by inhaling noxious fumes
• In yet another case, a worker was killed after he was entangled in a machine in Barotiwala. Still worse, body parts of a worker were recovered from a boiling water pit at Birla Textiles last week

The force was to carry out a slew of works like the identification of units using inflammable products and ensuring that safety norms were adhered to. The Fire Department was supposed to be informed of the chemicals used by the units, while also displaying the evacuation plan outside their premises. A fire audit was also to be held jointly by the Baddi-Bariotiwala-Nalagarh Development Authority (BBNDA) and the Deputy Director (factories). Stress was also laid on conducting mock drills. A questionnaire was to be prepared for the industries enlisting key measures for fire safety.

Sonakshi Tomar, BBNDA Chief Executive Officer, when quizzed said, “An exhaustive questionnaire has been prepared after holding consultation with key departments like fire, police, State Pollution Control Board, labour, industries etc.”

“Two meetings were held to work out its nitty-gritty and a third one would be held soon to work out the modalities of circulating a check-list to the industry associations. The industry would be directed to submit its response within 30 days after digitally circulating the check-list. Those failing to comply would be acted against.”

A meeting would also be held with the industry associations to seek their cooperation. The check-list encompassing the mandatory requirements of various departments has been divided into several parts with each part having 15 to 20 questions.

Several industrial mishaps have occurred since February 2, where a production manager of a ceiling fan manufacturing company suffered burn injuries in a fire, besides another losing his life by inhaling noxious fumes. In yet another case, a worker was killed after he was entangled in a machine in Barotiwala. Worse, body parts of a worker were recovered from a boiling water pit at Birla Textiles last week.

With the state government caught in its own political turmoil, this key aspect of industrial safety appears to have taken a backseat, though industrial mishaps have been on the rise.

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