**Devastating Incident Emerges Raises Safety Concerns at Chemical Facility in Visakhapatnam**
On 8 September, 42-year-old senior chemist M Poli Naidu passed away from injuries caused by inhaling harmful vapors at a Deccan Remedies facility near Visakhapatnam, India. The incident took place on 5 September as a result of a leak from a chemical centrifuge tank filled with methanol and 2-amino-5-chloropyridine. K Parmeswara Rao, deputy inspector of factories for Andhra Pradesh, reported that Naidu lacked sufficient protective gear, wearing only a dust mask during the event. The post-mortem findings are awaited, and an extensive investigation has been launched. Authorities have filed a criminal case, with additional legal actions under the Factories Act expected.
Labor unions, represented by Ganisetty Satyanarayana, have expressed significant worries about safety negligence at the facility. The Pharma Workers Union has accused the organization of downplaying the incident’s seriousness and is advocating for criminal charges against the company’s executives. The union is also demanding a ₹10 million compensation package for Naidu’s family and has requested a thorough investigation spearheaded by the district collector.
In a related occurrence, disaster was narrowly averted in Visakhapatnam when a storm on 7 September resulted in a lightning strike at an East India Petroleum facility, igniting a methanol storage tank. Thanks to the prompt actions of firefighters deploying foam to extinguish the fire, the flames were contained before reaching nearby diesel storage tanks, preventing a possible disaster. Despite the loss of 1000 liters of methanol, there were no injuries or fatalities.
These incidents highlight the urgent requirement for rigorous safety measures and the provision of adequate protective equipment to ensure the safety of workers in dangerous conditions. The ongoing investigations and the union’s demands are crucial steps in addressing these shortcomings to avert future tragedies.