Reacting to Fatalaties and Injuries.

Last week, an explosion at Foxconn, a factory that manufactures iPads and iPhones for Apple, killed two people instantly.  Another worker has died since then.  What struck me was the reactions of the companies involved.  Most of the quotes had to do with production continuing.  Really?!?  How about the workers?

Both Foxconn and Apple were quoted as saying they did not expect for production to be greatly affected. A headline at Apple Insider blared: “Foxconn explosion won't greatly affect iPad 2 production for Apple.” The world can breathe easier knowing the supply of the electronic equipment will proceed as planned or nearly so.

As of the time of writing, we have not found a report even listing the genders of the workers who gave their lives.  Not a single interview with the worker’s families has been published: No statements about missing a mother, father, sister, brother, son or daughter.  Somebody misses them.  Are they not as important as production of gizmos?  Apparently not.

In November 2010, Rich Folaron, 57, was welding on a tank at a DuPont facility was killed when the tank exploded.  His  manager said: “…all the safety precautions had taken place that were supposed to take place.” No they weren’t.  If you had done everything right the tank would have had only inert air, the incident would have never happened. All the boss could think of was saying something that would not get him in trouble.  The manager had to call the new widow. Mr. Folaron’s four children wish daddy could come home.

If you have employees – people that report to work every day and put their lives and welfare in your hands, think of them first.  Keep your workers safe and send them home to their families at the end of their work day.

See our Web site: SafetyRich