Chemical Plant Disaster.....Killed 15 000 People Over Years
Chemical Industries should learn from disaster that occur in world wide since 1970. One of the example is a chemical plant disaster that occur 30 years ago which is Union Carbide owned Chemical Plant in Bhopal, India. The tragedy of MIC gas release should be put as example due to Employer and Employees did not cooperate and take appropriate corrective and preventive action. Throughout the investigation, there are several issue and incident has been occur before the worst disaster MIC gas release. However, due negligence and business based oriented thinking cause the employer to cut the cost should be considered as one of the issue remain question even today in safety for most of the companies.
Well, in term of business, the profit is the main reason why the chemical plant operate. However, as Safety and Health Practitioner it is necessary to point out, that is a responsibility of every employees to ensure the budget in term maintenance of safety features and others related to safety should be continued although the business revenue is decrease due to slow economic growth in global. While, the employer should know that business growth together with good safety practice always is the best. After all, the hidden cost behind the incident and disaster can be avoided.
Employer should aware hidden cost always there when incident or disaster happen.
Here is several key point should be noted by employer:
1. Hidden Cost - Loss in Production, Medical Claim, Compensation, Work Stop Order.
2. Loss in Income - The victim family loss the income.
3. Nation - Loss skilled worker.
4. Investigation - The incident will cause investigation from government bodies, enforcement bodies, and journalist.
5. Time is money - Most of the Management level involved in project or business need to spend their time in investigation process, rectification process and etc.
6. Corrective action will spend much money to implement safety after incident compared to initial stage. - The action need to be taken with fast pace, while mostly the interested parties or engaged parties will charge extra and act as opportunist.
7. The fact of company name tarnished in national media and record with government agency cannot be erased forever.
I still can find articles from The New York Times even today. The name of Union Carbide will remain tarnish in media. Think about possible investor, do you think they will invest in company with bad reputation. The answer is simple...definitely NO! . Thus, Safety First should not only act as slogan but also must implemented and as priority even during slow business growth.
A bit bit of Bhopal Tragedy! Watch It! Read It!
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