EXPLOSION AT FIREWORKS FACTORY
'Workers didn't have protective equipment, cigarettes were allowed inside the factory'
Photo: AA
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After four people were remanded in custody over the explosion at a fireworks factory in Hendek, Sakarya, the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB-UCTEA) has released a written statement, saying that occupational safety specialists are "made scapegoats" for the incident.
At least seven workers died and more than 120 were wounded in the explosion on July 3.
"As we have become accustomed to after all the occupational homicides, the first ones to be detained are the managing director, the occupational safety specialist and two overseers," it said.
"It is extremely objectionable and unlawful that people who work under the instructions and decisions of the employer are being detained while the employer is walking around the scene of the incident.
"Also, statements that employees didn't have personal protective equipment and that even cigarettes were allowed in the factory should be taken into account as well."
| 567 industrial fires in two years
At least 25 people died and 72 were wounded in industrial fires in 2017 and 2018, TMMOB noted. In 2017, at least 182 industrial fires occurred whereas there were at least 385 industrial fires in 2018. "The fact that these fires, which should be considered industrial fires, have been frequent, especially in recent years, requires serious consideration," TMMOB stated. |
"İSG specialists are made scapegoats"
The employer is obligated to take all measures for safety and improve them according to the advancements in technology, TMMOB said, citing Law No. 6331 on Occupational Health and Safety (İSG).
The duty of İSG specialists, according to the law, is to guide and make recommendations to the employer and it is "neither conscientious nor lawful to make employees scapegoats," it stated.
"Occupational health specialists, who get their wages from workplace owners, can't be expected to make independent and appropriate evaluations at all times and in any environment. It is often not possible to make recommendations that will bring costs," the statement said.
TMMOB further stated that occupational safety specialists should be independent.
(RT/VK)