Kazakhstan finds Aqtogai Milk 100% at fault in six-worker sewer deaths

September 2, 2026 at 10:42 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

A government commission found Aqtogai Milk LLP 100 percent at fault for a sewer accident that killed six workers in Pavlodar region. The workers died from hydrogen sulfide poisoning after entering a sewer well without required training or protective equipment. The Ministry of Labor urged employers to tighten safety for high-risk confined-space work.

Key Facts

The accident at Aqtogai Milk LLP in Pavlodar region killed six workers.
The government commission assigned 100 percent fault to the employer, Aqtogai Milk LLP.
Workers had not received required training for high-risk work and were not provided with necessary personal protective equipment.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection called on employers in Pavlodar and other regions to pay special attention to safe organization of work in wells, reservoirs, and other confined spaces.

Accident Circumstances

One worker was poisoned by hydrogen sulfide in a sewer well. Other workers entered the well one after another to help, and all six died from hydrogen sulfide exposure. The commission found that the workers had not undergone proper training for high-risk work and were not provided with necessary personal protective equipment.

Commission Findings

The government commission determined that the employer, Aqtogai Milk LLP, was 100 percent at fault. The special investigation identified the causes and circumstances of the accident and named responsible officials. Recommendations were developed to eliminate the identified violations and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Ministry Response

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection urged employers in Pavlodar region and other regions to pay special attention to safe organization of high-risk work, including work in wells, reservoirs, and other confined spaces. Employers must provide workers with necessary personal protective equipment, train them in safe work methods, and prepare them for emergency response and rescue operations. Compliance with safety requirements during high-risk work is the direct duty of the employer and a key condition for protecting workers' lives and health.