Mangaluru: MRPL Mazdoor Sangh honorary president Satyajit Surathkal has demanded a comprehensive investigation into alleged safety lapses at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) following the recent explosion at the facility.
Speaking at a press conference at the Press Club in Mangaluru, Surathkal said the incident should not be treated merely as an issue involving compensation and employment for the affected family. He stressed that the safety of workers and people living in areas surrounding the refinery must receive the highest priority.
Surathkal demands detailed safety investigation
Surathkal called for a detailed investigation into accidents occurring at the refinery and sought permanent measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He said large industrial facilities such as MRPL have a responsibility to maintain stringent safety systems to protect both employees and nearby communities.
“There should be no compromise on safety,” he said.
According to Surathkal, investigations into industrial accidents should examine the circumstances that led to the incident, identify any shortcomings in existing safety mechanisms and recommend measures that can prevent a recurrence.
Compensation and employment sought for victim’s family
Surathkal welcomed the Rs 1.20 crore compensation provided to the family of accident victim Manish Karkera.
While appreciating the financial assistance, he urged MRPL to extend all necessary support to the bereaved family and provide employment to an eligible member of the family.
He said support to families affected by industrial accidents should go beyond immediate compensation and include measures to ensure their long-term financial security.
Insurance cover sought for contract workers
Surathkal also raised concerns over the welfare and safety of contract workers employed at the refinery.
He demanded that contract workers and their families be provided health insurance coverage of at least Rs 10 lakh.
In addition, he sought Rs 25 lakh accident insurance in the event of a worker’s death.
He said contract employees working in industrial environments should receive adequate protection and financial security, given the nature of the risks involved.
Probe sought into dismissal allegations
Surathkal further called for an inquiry into allegations that workers who are hospitalised due to illness are being dismissed from service.
He said such allegations should be examined and appropriate action taken if violations are established.
He also emphasised the need for stronger systems to identify hazardous conditions at the refinery before they result in accidents.
Early gas leak detection and evacuation systems
The MRPL Mazdoor Sangh honorary president called for effective implementation of systems capable of immediately detecting gas leaks and other hazardous conditions.
He also sought reliable warning sirens and emergency evacuation mechanisms so that workers and residents in surrounding areas can be alerted quickly in the event of an emergency.
Surathkal said safety preparedness must include both preventive systems and effective emergency-response arrangements.
He argued that the recent MRPL incident should not be viewed merely as a workers’ issue, but as a matter concerning the interests and safety of the entire Dakshina Kannada district.
Organisations to join campaign
Surathkal said various organisations would be brought together to launch a joint campaign highlighting industrial safety concerns and seeking stronger safety measures at MRPL.
He reiterated that comprehensive investigations and permanent corrective measures were necessary to prevent similar incidents.
Ettinahole Struggle Committee convenor Shashiraj Shetty Kolambe, KPTMS district president Yashpal Suvarna, State President of the Sarva College Students’ Union Tushar Kadri, Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike organising secretary Prashanth Bhat and Amar were present at the press conference.