**Increased Inspections at Factories Following Prime Wheel Incident**
In the aftermath of a tragic workplace accident at Prime Wheel, where a worker lost his life after being trapped in machinery, state authorities have stepped up extraordinary inspections of maquiladoras. Obdulia Rodríguez Sánchez, who heads the Association of Human Resources from the Industry in Tijuana (Arhitac), confirmed this intensification of oversight. The inspections are being conducted by personnel from the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) and the Secretariat of the Environment and Sustainable Development.
Rodríguez Sánchez provided an example from her own workplace at the Pacific Industrial Park, which hadn’t been inspected in two years until recently receiving two extraordinary inspections along with neighboring factories. These inspections are unannounced and do not follow a regular schedule, often requiring the presence of a legal or human resources representative for random checks.
The focus of these inspections is compliance with regulation 30, emphasizing preventative health plans for workers. Inspectors verify compliance through documentation and physical evidence, as well as interviews with select employees to confirm adherence.
Following the incident that claimed Eduardo Ortiz Franco’s life, authorities from multiple government levels conducted extensive operations, resulting in the closure of two Prime Wheel facilities due to various irregularities. Rodríguez Sánchez mentioned that companies have five to six business days to demonstrate how they have addressed any issues identified during inspections and commit to future improvements.
Discussing recent workplace accidents within the sector, Rodríguez Sánchez suggested these incidents might be due to “poor practices” or insufficient monitoring. She stressed the importance of taking these issues seriously, especially within the association’s companies, encouraging members to ensure their employees follow necessary safety measures.
**Related News: Prime Wheel Reopens After Municipal Fine**
Prime Wheel has partially resumed operations following the payment of a substantial municipal fine, estimated at around 10 million pesos. This financial penalty was imposed after the closure ordered by authorities due to safety violations. As the company works to comply with regulations, it requested additional time to submit the required documentation to local authorities.
**Workplace Safety in Focus**
The Prime Wheel incident has put a spotlight on workplace safety practices across the industry, with experts agreeing that Prime Wheel failed to meet necessary labor protocols. The increased scrutiny aims to prevent further tragedies by enforcing stricter compliance and ensuring the health and safety of workers are prioritized in all facilities.