Occupational safety and health (OSH) is a paramount concern in workplaces worldwide, as the well-being of workers directly impacts productivity, morale, and overall societal health. Read here to learn more.
In light of the Silkyara tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand leading to workers being trapped inside- the concern about workplace safety of workers has resurfaced.
This article delves into the global standards that guide occupational safety and health practices and examines how India addresses these crucial aspects to safeguard its workforce.
Occupational Safety and health
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) refers to the multidisciplinary field concerned with ensuring the well-being, safety, and health of workers in their workplaces.
It encompasses a broad range of activities and practices aimed at preventing accidents, injuries, and illnesses arising from work-related activities.
The goal of OSH is to create work environments that promote physical and mental health, reduce risks, and enhance the overall quality of work life.
- Workplace Safety: Workplace safety involves identifying and mitigating physical hazards that may pose risks to workers. This includes ensuring proper machine guarding, implementing fire safety measures, managing electrical hazards, and providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Health Protection: Health protection focuses on preventing occupational illnesses and diseases. This involves controlling exposure to harmful substances, such as chemicals, biological agents, and ergonomic risk factors. OSH measures aim to safeguard workers from long-term health effects related to their work.
- Risk Assessment and Management: Conducting risk assessments is a fundamental aspect of OSH. Employers assess potential hazards in the workplace, evaluate associated risks, and implement control measures to minimize or eliminate those risks. This includes regular inspections, hazard identification, and safety audits.
- Training and Education: Training and education programs are critical for raising awareness about safety and health issues in the workplace. Workers need to be informed about potential hazards, the proper use of equipment, emergency procedures, and overall best practices for maintaining a safe working environment.
- Emergency Preparedness: OSH includes preparing for and responding to emergencies. This involves establishing emergency response plans, providing first aid training, and ensuring the availability of emergency equipment. Quick and effective responses to accidents or health crises contribute to minimizing harm to workers.
- Mental Health and Well-being: As awareness of mental health issues at the workplace grows, OSH initiatives increasingly address psychological well-being. Strategies may include stress management programs, promoting work-life balance, and creating a supportive workplace culture that fosters mental health.
- Ergonomics: Ergonomics focuses on designing workspaces and tasks to fit the capabilities and limitations of workers. Proper ergonomics reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and enhances overall comfort and efficiency.
- Health Surveillance: Health surveillance involves monitoring the health of workers regularly, particularly for those exposed to specific occupational hazards. This may include regular health check-ups, monitoring exposure to hazardous substances, and maintaining health records.
Global Standards for Occupational Safety and Health
Ensuring the safety and health of workers is a global imperative, recognized and addressed by various international organizations.
Some key contributors to global occupational safety and health standards include the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and national regulatory bodies.
- International Labour Organization (ILO): The ILO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, sets international labor standards and promotes decent work for all. Convention No. 155 and Recommendation No. 164 of the ILO focus on occupational safety and health. These instruments emphasize the need for national policies, comprehensive OSH programs, and the involvement of employers and workers in creating a safe working environment.
- World Health Organization (WHO): While the WHO primarily addresses public health, it plays a crucial role in promoting workplace health. The Global Plan of Action on Workers’ Health outlines strategies for integrating occupational health into national policies, recognizing the interconnectedness of occupational and public health.
- ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed ISO 45001 to provide a framework for managing occupational health and safety risks. This standard emphasizes a proactive approach, encouraging organizations to identify and mitigate potential hazards, involve workers in decision-making, and continually improve their OSH performance.
- National Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards: Many countries, including the United States, have their regulatory bodies responsible for occupational safety and health. OSHA, for instance, establishes and enforces standards to ensure safe and healthy working conditions. These standards cover a wide range of industries, addressing hazards such as chemical exposures, machinery safety, and ergonomic considerations.
- European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA): The European Union has its agency dedicated to promoting safe and healthy workplaces. EU-OSHA provides information, tools, and resources to support OSH in EU member states. Initiatives include campaigns to raise awareness about specific risks and preventive measures.
Occupational Safety and Health in India
India, with its diverse workforce and economic activities, recognizes the importance of occupational safety and health. The country has established regulatory frameworks, standards, and initiatives to protect workers and promote a culture of safety.
- The Factories Act, 1948: The Factories Act is a key piece of legislation in India addressing factory-related OSH issues. It outlines provisions for the health, safety, and welfare of workers, including aspects such as ventilation, lighting, cleanliness, and protective equipment.
- The Mines Act, 1952: The Mines Act focuses on the safety, health, and welfare of workers employed in mines. It addresses issues specific to mining activities, including ventilation, precautions against fire and flooding, and the provision of first aid facilities.
- Code on Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions, 2020: It amalgamates 13 existing labour laws into the labour code and applies to factories (as the code expands the definition) having at least 20 workers if the manufacturing process is being carried on with the aid of power and 40 if the manufacturing process is being done without power.
- The Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948: This legislation establishes a comprehensive social security system for workers in India. The Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme provides medical benefits, sickness benefits, and rehabilitation support to insured workers.
- The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996: Aimed at ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of construction workers, this act outlines various provisions, including the obligation of employers to provide necessary facilities such as first aid, canteens, and restrooms.
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): The BIS develops and maintains standards across various sectors in India. In the context of occupational safety and health, BIS has developed standards for personal protective equipment, industrial safety helmets, and other safety-related products.
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The NDMA in India addresses the safety and well-being of workers in the context of disaster management. Guidelines and standards are in place to ensure the preparedness of workplaces for emergencies and to protect workers during disasters.
Challenges and Opportunities
While significant strides have been made globally and in India to enhance occupational safety and health, challenges persist, and opportunities for improvement abound.
- Informal Economy: In India, a substantial portion of the workforce operates in the informal economy, where OSH standards may be challenging to enforce. Enhancing awareness, providing support, and extending OSH regulations to cover informal sectors are crucial steps.
- Technological Advances: The rapid advancement of technology introduces new occupational hazards. Ensuring that OSH standards keep pace with technological changes and that workers are adequately trained to handle new risks is a continuous challenge.
- Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): SMEs, which form a significant part of the industrial landscape, may face resource constraints in implementing comprehensive OSH programs. Providing support mechanisms, including guidance and financial assistance, can aid SMEs in enhancing workplace safety.
- Psychosocial Risks: The recognition of psychosocial risks, such as stress and mental health issues, is gaining prominence globally. Addressing these aspects requires a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional safety measures.
- Global Supply Chains: In an interconnected global economy, products often traverse international supply chains. Ensuring consistent OSH standards across borders and promoting responsible business practices are essential for safeguarding workers globally.
- Pandemic Preparedness: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for effective workplace health measures. Enhancing preparedness for pandemics and other health emergencies is a critical aspect of occupational safety and health in the modern era.
Conclusion
Occupational safety and health stand at the intersection of human well-being, economic productivity, and societal progress. Global standards, as articulated by organizations like the ILO and ISO, provide a framework for creating safe and healthy workplaces.
In India, legislative measures and initiatives by regulatory bodies contribute to the ongoing effort to prioritize worker safety.
As the nature of work evolves, and challenges such as informal labor, technological advancements, and psychosocial risks come to the forefront, the commitment to occupational safety and health must remain steadfast.
Collaboration between governments, employers, workers, and international organizations is crucial to addressing these challenges, creating safer workplaces, and fostering a culture that values the well-being of every worker, regardless of their occupation or location.
By embracing these principles, nations can move towards a future where work is not only productive but also inherently safe and health-promoting.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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