Three sanitation workers lost their lives while cleaning a sewage tank at Ramkrishna Hospital in the Pachpedi Naka area under Tikrapara, Raipur. The incident has raised concerns about occupational safety in confined spaces such as sewer and septic tanks.
The deceased have been identified as Anmol Manjhi (25), Govind Sendre (35), and Satyam Kumar (22), according to a report by IndiaCSR. Another worker is reported to be in critical condition following the incident.
According to reports, one worker had initially entered the sewage tank for cleaning operations when he collapsed inside. Two others entered the tank in an attempt to rescue him, but they also collapsed.
Preliminary information suggests that exposure to hazardous gases within the confined space may have been the primary cause of death.
Sewage tanks often accumulate toxic gases such as:
Methane
Hydrogen sulfide
Carbon monoxide
These gases can displace oxygen and lead to rapid suffocation, unconsciousness, and death, particularly in enclosed environments without proper ventilation or protective equipment.
The incident occurred at the hospital premises located in the Pachpedi Naka locality of Raipur.
Authorities have initiated an inquiry to determine whether standard safety protocols for confined space entry were followed.
Hospital authorities stated that the workers were hired through an external agency, indicating that the cleaning work had been outsourced.
Following the incident, the hospital announced a compensation of ₹30 lakh for the families of the deceased workers.
Family members of the deceased staged protests, alleging negligence and demanding accountability for the deaths. They raised concerns regarding the lack of safety measures and supervision during the cleaning operation.
Such incidents often highlight gaps in the implementation of safety regulations for sanitation workers, particularly in high-risk environments like sewage systems.
Cleaning sewage tanks is considered a high-risk occupation due to exposure to toxic gases, pathogens, and oxygen-deficient environments.
Medical risks associated with such exposure include:
Acute respiratory failure
Loss of consciousness
Toxic poisoning
Long-term lung and neurological damage
Experts emphasize the need for:
Protective gear (oxygen masks, gas detectors)
Proper ventilation systems
Trained personnel and emergency protocols
The deaths of three sanitation workers at a Raipur hospital remind as the risks associated with sewage tank cleaning and the importance of strict adherence to occupational safety protocols. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and accountability in the incident.
(Rh)
