Our Bureau
Hosur
Three contract workers died after allegedly inhaling toxic gas during maintenance work at Tata Electronics’ iPhone components manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, prompting investigations by Apple, Tata and state authorities. The incident took place on Monday evening at an effluent treatment plant (ETP) operated by Nalco Water, a subsidiary of US-based Ecolab.
According to district officials, the workers were inspecting an external nano-filtration tank when they inhaled gas and died due to asphyxiation. The tank was part of the facility’s wastewater treatment system. The workers were employed through a subcontractor engaged by Nalco Water, which confirmed that the incident occurred at a utility facility under its operations.
Apple has reportedly sent a team to the factory to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Tata Electronics has also initiated an internal inquiry, while the Tamil Nadu government has assured a thorough investigation and appropriate action based on the findings.
The company has also been asked to submit a detailed Action Taken Report outlining the circumstances of the accident, identified lapses, corrective measures and steps to prevent similar incidents.
Officials from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health are examining safety procedures, including confined-space entry, gas monitoring, protective equipment and emergency rescue arrangements.
Nalco Water said it was cooperating with local authorities and taking the incident seriously, reaffirming its commitment to workplace safety.
Meanwhile, the deaths have raised fresh concerns about worker safety at India’s expanding electronics manufacturing facilities. Production at the Tata factory was reportedly unaffected as the facility was closed for Deepavali holidays when the incident occurred. Authorities are monitoring compliance before allowing the effluent treatment plant to resume operations.