SHILLONG: An excavator operator associated with Lafarge was killed after a tank fell on him while he was taking bath on Saturday at Phlangkaruh, Shella, East Khasi Hills.
According to police, on May 9 morning, the water tank collapsed at Lafarge Mining Company, Tyrkan, Shella, in East Khasi Hills. As a result, the worker identified as Om Prakash Yadav (55) from Bihar died on the spot.
There was a large gathering of people and workers at the site as it was for the first time that a staff was killed in such a mishap which raised the issue of security and safety of the workers who are engaged by the international company.
The Lafarge, however, in a statement issued here on Saturday regretted the incident.
Narrating the incident, Lafarge said that on May 9,at around 8:30 a.m the accident occurred at the residential area of workers at Phlangkaruh, Shella, which resulted in the death of Yadav, the Excavator Operator of Lafarge Umiam Mining Private Limited (LUMPL). “This residential facility is outside the mining lease area of LUMPL and is managed by a third party contractor”, Lafarge said.
However, LUMPL has immediately commenced an investigation. The details of the investigation will be available after the completion of the process. This accident took place outside of our mining Operations, which is usually low risk area with less chance of accidents, Lafarge said.
Since inception of the mining operations in 2006, LUMPL has been implementing world class Safety Standards which resulted in a very low Injury rate according to international standards. Furthermore, for three consecutive years, LUMPL received first prize for outstanding achievements in Health and Safety from the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Government of India, Lafarge said.
“LUMPL management and employees are deeply saddened about this tragic loss of life and convey sincere sympathies and condolences to the family of the victim. Furthermore, necessary help and support shall be extended to the victim’s family to reduce the impact of the tragedy”, Lafarge added.
LUMPL ,however, assured to take all necessary actions to ensure safety of its employees and contractor’s employees, even beyond mining operation area.
