Worker electrocuted at Google data center in Belgium, highlighting safety concerns

Electrocution Incident at Google Data Center

In March, an electrical tester, Sandu, was severely injured by an arc flash electrocution at a Google data center site in Saint-Ghislain, Belgium. He was performing electrical wiring tests when 400 volts and 12,000 amps hit his face and right side of his body, causing second and third-degree burns to 12% of his body. Sandu was placed in an induced coma for five days following the incident.

Allegations of Pressure and Safety Protocol Violations

Sandu stated he was pressured to complete the task quickly, leading him to forgo retrieving a protective suit, a round trip that would have added 15 minutes. He also claims managers confirmed the lines were de-energized before the accident. He noted that last-minute jobs were common and workers felt they had no choice but to comply to avoid being fired.

Investigation and Lack of Liability

Hospital records confirm Sandu's injuries. Despite the severity of the incident, no company or contractor has been found liable. The local labor inspectorate closed its investigation in late October, finding no wrongdoing. Dornan Engineering, an Irish company overseeing Sandu's contractor, stated its commitment to safe working conditions and compliance with labor laws.

Broader Implications for Data Center Workers

This incident is presented as part of a larger investigation into worker exploitation and unsafe conditions within Europe's data center industry. The article suggests Sandu's experience, while brutal, is not unique, indicating systemic issues beyond this single event.