Electrocutions, disease and no pay: how workers risk exploitation in Europe’s datacentres

Sandu, an electrical tester at a Google datacentre in Belgium, suffered severe injuries from an electrocution incident due to unsafe working conditions. Despite the incident, no company has been held accountable, highlighting broader issues of migrant worker exploitation in Europe's datacentre boom. Investigations reveal unsafe living conditions, unpaid wages, and serious injuries among workers across multiple countries. Unions report a lack of oversight and protection for workers, with many unaware of their rights. Recent incidents at various sites underscore the urgent need for improved safety regulations and accountability in the industry.