16 September, 2024A young worker at ArcelorMittal’s João Monlevade site in Brazil suffered an electric shock that left him unconscious and caused him to lose an arm. The accident on 9 September is not an isolated incident, as ArcelorMittal systematically fails to prioritize occupational health and safety, as countless workers face dangerous conditions and life-altering accidents.
Other accidents have been reported in September at ArcelorMittal’s plants around the world, including a worker who died from electrocution in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, and another who lost his life after being crushed at a rolling mill in Venezuela.
For IndustriALL, ArcelorMittal is systematically failing to prioritise health and safety, as shown by the tragic loss of 314 lives across its operations between 2012 and 2023, with many more incidents going unreported.
Patrick Correa, IndustriALL base metals director, said:
“This latest tragic accident again sends a clear message: health and safety of ArcelorMittal workers can no longer be neglected. It is unacceptable that human lives continue to be put at risk in the name of profit. We demand immediate and concrete steps be taken by the management to ensure a safe and respectful working environment. On 13 September, trade unions around the world will rally together to make workers’ voices heard, demand change and remind all concerned that no worker should have to risk their life for a job.”
In light of the mounting death toll at the company’s sites, on 13 September, IndustriALL came togehter with industriAll Europe and affiliated unions from around the world for a global day of action to say enough is enough!