An explosion at PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS) on June 13 has injured two workers. This is the second explosion in six months; the first one in December 2023 killed 21 workers.
Tsingshan is a multinational company based in China producing stainless steel products for various industries.
According to Indonesia’s National Industrial Workers Union Federation (SPN), the June 13 explosion happened when two workers were using cutting tools to repair a liquid outlet from a melting furnace.
The SPN has demanded a thorough investigation, better health and safety measures, and medical treatment for the injured workers, as well as a revision of Indonesian safety laws to improve inspections.
The union held a candlelight vigil on June 23 for the victims and had previously sent an international delegation to support the victims’ families and mining union members in April.
The SPN are concerned that as Indonesia's nickel industry experiences rapid growth, safety standards are being neglected. They call for joint safety committees, improved inspections, and the enforcement of workers' rights.
Source: IndustriALL, 26 June