Business · India Bureau
Three workers die in asphyxiation incident at Tata iPhone parts facility
Three workers have died from asphyxiation during maintenance operations at a Tata facility in Tamil Nadu that manufactures components for Apple iPhones. The incident occurred while the workers were performing routine maintenance on a water tank at the company's Hosur plant.
LSN India ·
The three workers lost their lives while carrying out maintenance work on a water tank at the Tata facility located in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The plant is a key supplier of components for Apple's iPhone manufacturing operations in India. Emergency responders were alerted to the incident, but the workers could not be revived.
Asphyxiation incidents during confined space work, such as maintenance operations on water tanks, remain a significant occupational hazard across Indian manufacturing facilities. Such operations typically require specialized safety protocols, including proper ventilation assessments, rescue equipment, and trained personnel.
The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety standards at major manufacturing hubs in Tamil Nadu. Tata, one of India's largest industrial conglomerates, operates numerous facilities across the state supporting global supply chains. Authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the safety measures in place at the facility.
The deaths underscore ongoing challenges in enforcing occupational safety regulations at industrial sites, particularly during high-risk maintenance operations. Worker safety organizations have repeatedly called for stricter compliance with confined space entry protocols and enhanced training for personnel involved in such operations.