Safety at all costs: on the implementation of safety protocols in the fireworks industry

The death of four workers on New Year’s Day in an explosion at a fireworks unit in Kalathur village of Virudhunagar district, the epicenter of the firecrackers sector in Tamil Nadu, reiterates the need for relentless vigilance to enforce safety protocols in an industry that deals with hazardous processes. The explosion is said to have occurred due to friction caused by the incorrect handling of chemicals. Apparently, the workers had come to the unit in 2022 to offer prayers. Even though the authorities have suspended the license of the unit and registered cases under the Indian Penal Code and the Indian Explosive Substances Act, they have not cited violations such as the license holder. Leasing the unit to others and manufacturing the products unauthorizedly. Over the years, the district has witnessed several explosions and successive state governments have formed committees to study the causes of the blasts. The functioning of the firecracker industry has improved. For example, the threshold of child labor has decreased significantly. But, with regard to adherence and monitoring of safety protocols, the track record leaves much to be desired.

There is a need to change the way we look at events like Kalathur blast. Generally, any explosion is called an accident, but such use inadvertently eliminates the role of those who are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of safety protocols. There can be no compromise in this matter. At the same time, the contribution of the firecracker industry to the economy of the country, especially Tamil Nadu has to be acknowledged. This sector provides employment to eight lakh people directly and indirectly in the backward region of the state, where there is no guarantee of irrigation. However, this does not absolve the industry from its responsibility towards the life and health of workers and large sections of society. In any inquiry into the incident, the authorities concerned should seriously consider turning into action some of the suggestions made by the eight-member committee set up by the National Green Tribunal after the death of more than 20 people in the district in February 2021. Former Judge of Punjab and Haryana and Madras High Courts K. Kannan, the panel had suggested that the Explosives Act should be amended to make the punishment more stringent than now, by employing only certified persons for operations including mixing, filling and making of chemicals. color palette, and using drones to monitor the various units. There is no dearth of ideas to improve the functioning of the industry, but what is required is that the authorities at both the central and state governments level must ensure that safety protocols are implemented.