Workers of a private steel company at the Manapparai SIPCOT Industrial Estate staged a road blockade on the Tiruchi–Dindigul National Highway on Tuesday, protesting against the alleged lack of workplace safety measures.The protest followed the death of Govind Kumar, 33, a native of Uttar Pradesh, who was employed as a welder at a steel company near Manapparai. According to sources, he suffered head injuries a few days ago after an iron beam struck him while he was on duty.He was initially admitted to the Manapparai Government Hospital and later shifted to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital in Tiruchi for further treatment.
However, he died on Monday.The workers alleged that the factory lacked adequate safety measures and that employees were subjected to excessive workload without essential labour welfare benefits. They demanded better workplace safety and improved working conditions.On receiving information, Manapparai police rushed to the spot and held talks with the protesters.
Following this, the workers lifted the road blockade but continued their protest by staging a sit-in near the SIPCOT entrance, refusing to resume work.The road blockade disrupted traffic on the national highway. Published - November 03, 2026 08:40 pm IST