Foreword

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This study seeks to uncover the underlying causes of the high rate of workplace accidents in the IMIP industrial area, which has drawn ongoing criticism from media outlets and NGOs due to poor and unsafe working conditions. To gain a comprehensive understanding, a survey was conducted involving 348 workers from the IMIP area during May–June 2024, providing a general picture of the safety conditions experienced by employees.

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From the three data collection methods, we identified several recurring patterns contributing to the high rate of workplace accidents in the IMIP area.Four main factors were found: (1) human error, including worker negligence, (2) hazardous work environments, (3) inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and (4) equipment malfunctions.

[...] Beyond these four primary factors, our research also identified other contributing risks, including worker fatigue resulting from excessively long working hours and the hidden threat of occupational diseases. Moreover, female workers face gender-specific challenges due to the male-dominated workforce in the IMIP area, highlighting the need for more inclusive and responsive workplace policies.

[...] Our findings point to three key factors that perpetuate this cycle of exploitation: (1) economic pressure and imbalanced power relations, (2) horizontal tensions and weak social dialogue, and (3) low union density, which has led to the fragmentation of labor unions within the IMIP area. These factors highlight the urgent need for a stronger strategic alliance among unions and collective action to reinforce the area’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), ensuring it is upheld as a set of binding “Golden Rules” for all tenant companies.