In the latest accident at a fireworks unit in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, more than 20 lives have perished (which is set to rise), and close to 30 workers are in hospital.
This has highlighted the dire need for labour reforms and technological advances within the fireworks industry.
How is the fireworks industry in TN?
Thousands of workers in Tamil Nadu’s famed fireworks industry remain trapped in unsafe conditions.
This is despite an unending series of accidents.
In 11 months, 25 lives were lost in major blazes in three other fireworks factories in Virudhunagar (9), Cuddalore (9), and Madurai (7).
Most victims were women.
The dead end up in statistical records.
However, on the ground, there are only short-term actions.
Registration of cases, arrests, identification of causes, token inspections, issuance of warnings and safety advisories
What are the key causes for accidents?
These tragedies are caused predominantly by gross violation of norms governing the hazardous industry and human error in handling explosive substances.
Unlicensed units that have mushroomed in and outside Sivakasi mostly escape scrutiny till explosions occur.
A greater concern is the illegal sub-leasing of contracts for manufacturing crackers by licensed units.
Preliminary investigation into the current tragedy has also revealed sub-leasing of works to several persons.
The very nature of work in a hazardous industry makes sub-leasing a byword for safety compromise.
It leads to conversion of every shed in a manufacturing unit into a ‘factory’ in itself with inflammable chemicals stored all over.
Consequently, the limit on workers to be deployed is violated, resulting in crowding in each shed.
There is also lack of supervision of the quantum of chemicals to be mixed or stored.
What are the labour issues here?
A decade ago Parliament was informed that automation of the hazardous manufacturing process would be undertaken.
However, the industry continues to be labour-intensive.
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation offers training for workers.
But, shortage of labour has prompted the industry to hire new recruits with limited skills.
Moreover, the piece-rate system induces people to race to produce more units per day.
Untrained workers and the piece-rate system thus contribute to more accidents.
In the latest accident, a worker, possibly fatigued, had hurriedly emptied semi-finished crackers, triggering an explosion.
What does this call for?
Periodic inspections at factories, sustained crackdown and stringent penal action against violators are non-negotiable.
For this, the Central and State governments must provide the needed manpower for enforcement agencies.
A sustained political push for labour reforms and technological innovations within the industry is also essential.
