PT ITSS Worker Dies in Steel Mill Accident, Union Blames Weak Safety System
A devastating workplace accident occurred on February 5, 2025, at PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel in Morowali, Central Sulawesi, claiming the life of EJ, a worker in the company’s Steel Production Department. This tragic death marks yet another incident in a series of fatal accidents at the steel mill, which has raised alarms about the company’s commitment to workplace safety and its implementation of K3 Safety and Health Work protocols.
Details of the Accident
The accident occurred around 9:00 p.m. local time while EJ was working on the task of unrolling a steel strip. The strip was reportedly misaligned, leading to a fatal accident where the worker was pinned by the machinery, suffering serious injuries. Tragically, EJ passed away on the spot. Notably, the incident occurred while the worker was performing the task without supervision, sparking further concerns about the safety measures in place at PT ITSS.
Labor Unions Demand Accountability
Following the accident, Fadil, the Chair of the Work Unit Committee PUK of the Morowali Industrial Workers Union SPIM at PT ITSS, expressed grave concerns over the company's safety standards. He accused the company management of negligence in adhering to K3 protocols, demanding that the leadership be held accountable for the fatal incident.
“We demand that the management of PT ITSS be brought to trial and imprisoned for the incident that claimed the lives of workers at the steel production department,” Fadil said in an official statement on February 6, 2025.
The recurrent accidents at PT ITSS have not gone unnoticed by labor organizations. Komang Jordi Segara, the Daily Chairperson of SPIM and member of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KPBI), condemned the company’s K3 system as being inhumane. He further pointed out that these accidents have continued even during the ongoing National K3 Month, which is meant to emphasize workplace safety.
Accusations of Union Busting
In addition to the accusations regarding the safety system, PT ITSS has faced allegations of union busting. Komang stated that the company had unilaterally terminated the employment of Anwar, the Treasurer of the PUK SPIM PT ITSS, adding to concerns that the company is actively suppressing labor rights and freedom of association.
The K3 System Under Scrutiny
The K3 system, which stands for Safety and Health Work, is a set of protocols and regulations designed to safeguard the health and safety of workers in industrial environments. The repeated accidents at PT ITSS have drawn significant attention to the weaknesses in the company’s safety system, with labor leaders calling for immediate reform and stricter enforcement of workplace protections. These tragic incidents underscore the urgent need for PT ITSS to prioritize the well-being of its workers over profit-driven motives.
The concerns about the company’s commitment to worker safety are not just limited to the latest incident. There has been a growing pattern of accidents within the Morowali Industrial Area, where nickel smelting and steel production are prominent. Workers have repeatedly demanded that the government and regulatory bodies intervene to ensure that companies are abiding by safety laws, with some even calling for greater oversight and stronger penalties for violators.
Government and Regulatory Actions
As the public outcry intensifies, calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and accountability in the industrial sector are growing louder. The Indonesian government and labor unions have urged the authorities to carry out thorough investigations into the accidents at PT ITSS and to hold the management accountable for their role in these fatalities.
In response to the accident, several officials and lawmakers have expressed their concern over the state of workplace safety in Indonesia's industrial sector. These developments have led to growing demands for improved worker protection and a re-examination of current regulations surrounding workplace health and safety.
