Hindu Editorial Analysis : 24-September-2024

The recurrence of industrial disasters in India highlights a pressing need for reforms in the inspection system, particularly in hazardous industries. These accidents not only cause loss of life and injuries but also lead to significant property damage and environmental harm.

Factory Accidents in India

Industrial accidents pose serious risks to workers, communities, and the environment. According to reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), work-related diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, and ischemic heart disease are leading causes of death.

Statistics of Concern
  • The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has recorded 130 significant chemical accidents over the past decade, leading to 259 deaths and 563 major injuries.
  • Notable incidents include:
    • Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984)
    • Visakhapatnam Gas Leak (2020)
    • Dombivli chemical factory explosion (May 2024)

Reasons for Accidents

Inadequate Safety Measures
  • Many industries fail to follow safety standards due to loopholes in regulations.
  • Some accidents occur because of human errors, such as negligence and fatigue.
Low Inspection Rates

Inspection rates in hazardous factories are alarmingly low:

  • In Maharashtra, only 23.89% were inspected in 2021.
  • Tamil Nadu had a general inspection rate of 17.04%.
  • Gujarat’s rates were 19.33% for general inspections and 19.81% for hazardous ones.
  • Nationally, 14.65% of factories were inspected overall, with 26.02% in hazardous sectors.
Poor Prosecution Rates

Prosecution rates remain unsatisfactory:

  • Gujarat: 6.95%
  • Maharashtra: 13.84%
  • Tamil Nadu: 14.45%
Shortage of Personnel
  • In Maharashtra, only 39.34% of the required officers were appointed. Similar shortages exist in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

Prevention Measures

Strengthening Labor Inspection

To improve safety, India must focus on:

  • Personnel Allocation: Increase the number of inspectors.
  • Efficient Inspections: Reduce workloads to ensure thorough inspections.
  • Prosecution: Enhance accountability for violators.
  • Streamlined Processes: Simplify registration and compliance for factories.
Worker Safety First

It is essential to prioritize worker safety over profits.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government has implemented several initiatives:

  • National Policy on Safety, Health, and Environment at Workplace (NPSHEW): Promotes a culture of preventive safety.
  • Industrial Safety and Disaster Management Plans: Mandates risk assessment and emergency response measures in industries.
  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Works on disaster preparedness and response.

Global Efforts

There are also international initiatives aimed at improving industrial safety:

  • Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health (2024-2030): A plan by the ILO to enhance workplace safety globally.
  • OECD and WHO: Provide guidelines and support for chemical safety and public health

Why In News

The recurrence of industrial disasters in India underscores the need for urgent reforms in the inspection system, especially in hazardous industries where accidents have caused loss of life, injuries, and property damage, highlighting the critical importance of prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance to protect both workers and communities.

MCQs about The Urgent Need for Industrial Safety Reforms in India

  1. What is the primary focus of the essay regarding industrial disasters in India?
    A. The history of industrialization in India
    B. The need for reforms in the inspection system of hazardous industries
    C. The economic impact of factory closures
    D. The role of foreign investments in industrial safety
    Correct Answer: B. The need for reforms in the inspection system of hazardous industries
    Explanation: The urgent need for reforms in the inspection system, particularly in hazardous industries, due to the recurrence of industrial disasters that lead to loss of life and property damage.
  2. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), how many significant chemical accidents were recorded over the past decade?
    A. 50
    B. 130
    C. 259
    D. 563
    Correct Answer: B. 130
    Explanation: The NDMA has recorded 130 significant chemical accidents over the past decade, which resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries.
  3. What is one of the main reasons for the low inspection rates in hazardous factories?
    A. High costs of inspection
    B. Lack of public interest
    C. Shortage of personnel
    D. Ineffective training programs
    Correct Answer: C. Shortage of personnel
    Explanation: The essay highlights the shortage of personnel as a significant reason for the low inspection rates, with only a fraction of the required inspectors appointed in various states.
  4. Which initiative aims to promote a culture of preventive safety in Indian industries?
    A. Industrial Safety and Disaster Management Plans
    B. National Policy on Safety, Health, and Environment at Workplace (NPSHEW)
    C. Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health
    D. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
    Correct Answer: B. National Policy on Safety, Health, and Environment at Workplace (NPSHEW)
    Explanation: The National Policy on Safety, Health, and Environment at Workplace (NPSHEW) aims to promote a culture of preventive safety and integrate safety concerns into industrial decision-making.

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