Death at work

• The recent explosion at Escientia’s plant in the Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Andhra Pradesh, which claimed seventeen lives and injured many more, highlights a critical and ongoing issue—industrial safety.
• This incident, one of the worst in recent times, is part of a troubling pattern of industrial accidents in the region, raising urgent questions about the efficacy of safety regulations and oversight in SEZs.
• The Atchutapuram SEZ, home to over 100 factories, has seen multiple accidents, including a similar explosion last year and a deadly gas leak in 2020. The frequency of these incidents points to systemic failures in adhering to safety norms, particularly in high-risk industries like pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
• The specifics of the Escientia blast—caused by a solvent leak igniting a fire—underscore the need for strict compliance with safety protocols, especially when dealing with hazardous materials.

Concerns

• One significant issue is the exemption from regular government inspections granted to SEZs and certain industries under a 2016 order, which allowed for online inspections instead. While intended to facilitate ease of doing business.
• This policy may have inadvertently reduced oversight, particularly in sectors where rigorous safety checks are essential. The reliance on self-certification and third-party audits for medium-risk industries further exacerbates the risk of non-compliance.

Suggestions

• The need for a comprehensive safety audit of all industrial units in SEZs, as demanded by trade unions and activists, cannot be overstated. Such audits should be thorough and transparent, addressing any gaps in safety measures and ensuring that all units adhere to stringent safety standards.
• Furthermore, the government must reconsider the current inspection policies, particularly for high-risk industries, to ensure that safety is not compromised in the pursuit of economic efficiency.
• Swift and decisive action is necessary to hold those responsible for safety lapses accountable. Punitive measures against negligent management, along with the imposition of strict penalties for non-compliance, will serve as a deterrent against future violations.
• As Andhra Pradesh continues to attract industrial investment, particularly in SEZs, it is imperative that the state strengthens its industrial safety framework.
• The tragic loss of lives in the Escientia blast should serve as a wake-up call for both the state and central governments to re-evaluate their approach to industrial safety, ensuring that such incidents are not repeated.