July 20, 2008

Worker dies at ArcelorMittal Trinidad and Tobago plant

It is reported that members of the Steel Workers Trade Union of Trinidad and Tobago are protesting working conditions at ArcelorMittal steel plant which they claim factored into the death of Mr Anil Bickramdass.

As per report Mr Bickramdass died at the plant located in the Point Lisas Industrial Estate yesterday morning, just a few hours into the workday when a piece of machinery used to compress rolls of steel was somehow turned on while he was in the process of doing some work on it. Death was instantaneous as his head was reportedly crushed by the large machine.

Steel Workers Trade Union officials are demanding an enquiry into the organization’s operations by the Occupational Safety and Health Agency as well as the Ministry of Labor. They contend that inferior safety standards at Arcelor Mittal have contributed to previous accidents which resulted in workers being injured.

Reports in Trinidad’s local media indicate that ArcelorMittal along with SWUTT and OHSA will be jointly investigating the incident that caused Mr Bickramdass’ death.