Workers voice safety concerns after TSMC fined for violations following on-site death

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Accusations of safety violations are arising at the massive new high-tech chip plant under construction in north Phoenix after a worker was killed in May.

State investigators just released a report on the incident at the TSMC facility near I-17 and the Loop 303 and now say the Taiwan-based chip company should pay thousands in fines.

State investigators say the victim in the case in May was assigned to pick up a load of sulfuric acid from the TSMC plant, but the acid was over-pressurized, which caused the container to blow and kill that worker.

The investigation found dangerous workplace conditions.

“They weren’t told that there was an explosion,” said the wife of a TSMC worker. “They weren’t told that…there was no evacuation. He heard nothing. When I texted him, he asked around. I was the one that told him that something was going on.”

Images from the scene showed the tanker and the hatch that blew. The driver was reportedly thrown more than 20 feet.

“I mean it’s scary seeing the fire trucks and not knowing what’s happening, and obviously hearing that it’s potentially only one person that’s hurt. There’s thousands of people that work here, but there’s obviously that immediate fear. I called and he didn’t answer, and that’s scary,” she said.

The wife of the plant worker voiced concern over communication from the plant’s management after the incident.

Now the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) is fining TSMC more than $16,000 for what it called a serious safety citation.

ADOSH’s inspection into TSMC found workplace hazards including the use of over-pressurization, exposure to harmful materials and exposure to falling debris.

Arizona’s Family also interviewed a man who wanted to remain anonymous. He was a safety and security worker at TSMC.

He said there was no clear guidance on what to do during emergencies.

“No, this is the first site I have worked on where that has been the case,” he said.

He spoke out because of what he called communication problems during emergency situations. He said he had security clearance to have a cell phone on site, but that didn’t always help.

“I never had signal,” he said. “I was afraid that if someone got hurt or injured or something happened, it would be too late to call for help.”

TSMC sent Arizona’s Family the following statement:

“We again extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person who passed away in this tragic incident. TSMC’s top priority is the safety and welfare of everyone who works on our site, including our suppliers and their subcontractors. We are reviewing the investigation report and general duty citation issued by ADOSH, and will take appropriate follow-up actions and continue our cooperative exchange of information with ADOSH in this matter. “

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