I tend to write too much text on this blog, so here are three recent photos to illustrate the dangers of going to factories in China.
First, a bus accident that involved one of my inspectors yesterday:
We are not sure what happened. It was a very strong shock. My inspector suffers back pain, and his laptop is ruined. But he doesn’t want to take a bed rest for a week!
Second, a factory was in fire while another inspector was working (that was last month):
My inspector was actually with a representative from the buyer, and they were only 2 floors below the fire.
You might think that got out immediately… They finished the job in the heat and the smoke! When I knew about it, I told them they were nuts. The inspector should have left the factory immediately.
And finally, a cute sign that I spotted in a stairway:
No comment about this one…
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Related post: Traveling to factories in China
10 Responses
Yes, there are amazing workers, and a little too much sometimes… Better focus on safety first, and doing the work at hand second.
GREAT STUFF !
CHINESE ARE AMAZING WORKERS.
Carey,
You are right, trains are MUCH safer than long-distance buses in China. Unfortunately, the train network isn’t nearly as developed as I’d like it to be.
Oh, and by the way… City buses are not much better. I was riding one this afternoon, and the rear-view mirror of the bus behind us shattered our back glass.
I’ve never had any confidence in those buses. Glad your inspector is ok. I always opt for the train instead of the bus when possible. Until now I thought I was just being paranoid.
Haha! Someone needs to inspect the bus driver’s alcohol level!
Yes, and also how many hours he had been driving over the last 48 hours… Or maybe it’s a mechanical problem (the wheel got off??)
> the rear-view mirror of the bus behind us shattered our back glass.
I’ve watched a Dongguan bus position itself while stopped at a traffic light, jockeying back and forth and sideways, so our bus just ahead would smash it’s mirror. If they have to return to a base when the bus is damaged, it might become a nice break/rest/change for the driver. I’ve seen that pattern many times in North American factories.
I think the chemical dangers can be significant. I’ve had bad sinus-lung problems from just very short time chemical escapes.
Hi Vic, thanks for sharing your experience.
Almost all factories have a factory car and assigned driver. We insist that they pick us up at the airport or hotel. They always show up with a case of water and snacks. Some higher end hotels (like Shangri-La) have cars and drivers for hire. One of our suppliers actually purchased a nice mercedes SUV just for transporting visitors. The busses are a nightmare. I only use those as a very last resort – to get to the airport to leave the country.
Hi Mike, that’s a good solution for customers but it is absolutely forbidden to inspectors… We don’t want them to get favors from factories — see this article: https://www.qualityinspection.org/corruption-of-inspectors-social-pressure/