Weeks after EY tragedy, engineer succumbs to cardiac arrest in HCL's Nagpur office

In a tragic incident that has once again raised concerns about workplace health, a 40-year-old engineer from HCL Technologies, Nitin Edwin Michael, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest at the company's Nagpur office. The incident occurred on September 27 in the Mihan area of Nagpur, Maharashtra, where Michael was found unconscious in the office washroom. He was immediately rushed to AIIMS Nagpur for emergency treatment, but the doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The local police from Sonegaon, Nagpur, registered a case of accidental death, and the body was sent for postmortem to confirm the cause of death. While initial reports point to cardiac arrest, further investigation is ongoing to clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

Nitin Edwin Michael is survived by his wife and a six-year-old son, leaving behind a grieving family and colleagues. HCL Technologies responded quickly, issuing a statement of condolence. "This is an unfortunate incident and a tragic loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased employee and are providing all possible assistance to them," the company said, emphasising their commitment to employee well-being. The statement also highlighted that Michael received immediate medical attention on campus before being taken to the hospital.

This tragic incident comes at a time when similar cases of sudden deaths in workplaces are being reported, sparking discussions on workplace stress, employee health, and the growing need for comprehensive wellness programs. Another notable case involved an Ernst & Young (EY) employee who recently died, raising alarms about the importance of regular health monitoring and stress management in corporate environments.

Workplace stress, long hours, and a sedentary lifestyle are often cited as contributors to the rise in cardiac-related deaths among younger professionals. While companies like HCL Technologies offer healthcare programs, including on-campus clinics and annual health checks, the increasing frequency of such incidents has sparked a renewed call for more robust preventive measures.

(With inputs from agencies)