Leading auto manufacturers compete fiercely for a bigger slice of the Indian market, spending on advertising and lobbying for tax cuts. But inadequate attention is paid to ensuring an accident-free supply chain with decent working conditions for toiling workers. Workers are vulnerable to serious injuries, even death, due to accidents on the shopfloor. The supply chains of major auto companies continue to be hazardous.
Grievous accidents are glossed over by companies, government and the media. On March 16 this year, an explosion occurred in the factory of an auto components manufacturer called Lifelong Private Limited in Dharuhera, Haryana. The company is a supplier to Hero Motors. Around 60 workers were badly burnt in the blast, of whom 19 died. Later, it was found that simple, regular cleaning of the exhaust ducts could have averted the tragedy.