"We are worried over frequent accidents in Bhushan's steel plant at Meramundali in Dhenkanal district. Accidents take place despite issuance of several warnings. The state government has summoned the company's managing director level official for a detailed discussion," Labour minister Bijayshree Routray told reporters.
Dubbing the company's local management as "callous", he said while three fatal incidents took place at the steel plant till its commissioning, 55 people have died between 2006 and 2012 after commencement of production in the steel plant.
No senior official of Bhushan Steel Ltd was immediately available for comment.
"Eight fatal accidents also took place outside the factory limit," the minister said adding death inside the factory not related to industrial activities was 13. This apart, 38 non-fatal accidents also took place at Bhushan's steel plant, he said.
The minister said 58 criminal cases were filed against the company and prohibitory orders imposed five times besides, issuance of show-cause notices to company's management.
Though several steps have been taken by the state government, there are accidents. "We have, therefore, decided to engage an independent team of professionals from reputed organisations like National Safety Council or IIT Kharagpur to study the causes of frequent accidents in the plant," he said.
At least four accidents have already taken place in the steel plant by first fortnight of January, 2013, the minister said.
