Unit: 4 – Industrial Safety

INDUSTRIAL SAFETY
It means “measures or techniques implemented to reduce the risk of injury, loss and danger to
persons, property or the environment, in any facility or place involving the manufacturing,
producing and processing of goods or merchandise”.
Accidents
It is an unplanned and uncontrolled event in which the action or reaction of an object, substance,
person, or radiation results in personal injury or the probability thereof.
Industrial accidents refer to any accident that occurs at an industrial site.
Causes of Industrial accidents
1. Unsafe conditions:
 Insufficient workplace lighting
 Excessive noise
 Slippery or unsafe flooring
 Extreme temperature exposure
 Inadequate protection when working with machinery or hazardous materials
 Unstable structures
 Electrical problems and
 Machine malfunction or failure
2. Unsafe acts:
 Actions or failure to act which result in injury
 Employee negligence
3. External causes:
 Organisational errors
 Human factor
 Abnormal operational conditions
 Natural forces
 Software or component failures
 Outside interference
 These external causes of industrial accidents may include fires, chemical spills, toxic gas
emissions or radiations.
4. Internal causes
 Equipment or other related tangibles
 Harmful materials
 Toxic chemicals and
 Human errors
Causes of accidents also being divided into the following five groups:
5. Technical causes:
 Defective and Worn-out machinery
 Poor maintenance
 Lake of precautions like safeguards, Fencing of dangerous machines
 Wrong and bad layout
 Rooms crowded with machines, raw material and waste products
 Neglect in housing-keeping
 Working conditions
6. Personnel causes
 Improper recruitment, selection and placement in industries
 Personal and social factors like carelessness, ignorance, inadequate skill
 Improper supervision
 Relationship with the supervision and other colleagues and
 Family problems
7. Psychological causes – Psychological, mental and emotional imbalances are at the
root of several accidents.
 Emotionally disturbed and mentally pre-occupied state
 Face fatigue or tiredness
 Over work
 Monotony
 Boredom and
 Lack of self-confidence
 8. Non-observance of safety rules
 Non-observance of safety rules by employers and employees
9. Miscellaneous causes
 Inability of the workers to grasp the implications of a process
 Neglect of safety regulations by workers and their reluctance to use safety
equipments
 Haste on the part of the workers

Prevention of Accidents – Industrial accident prevention, which
1. Focuses on the safety of the industrial site
Employer must do the following:
- Inspect the site with safety engineers and ward employees of possible
danger zones.
- Insisting workers to comply with safety measures
- Enforce safety rules or take safety precautions
2. Focuses on the equipment frequently used in industrial area
Employer must do the following:
- Safety precautions to equipments such as scaffolding, motorized vehicles,
gas pressure machinery, electricity conductors and heavy machinery.
- Compel equipment manufacturers to give periodical visits to check and
correct
3. Focuses of Employers
Employers must provide employees with:
- A safe place to work
- Safe tools to the work with
- Knowledge of hazards
- Competent fellow employees and supervisors and
- Framing safety rules and ensure that the rules are observed
4. Focuses on unsafe conditions
 Safety audits – “Methodical in-depth examination of all or part of total operating
system with relevance to safety”
  Safety inspections
 Maintenance schedules for equipment
 Encouraging employee reporting
 Good housekeeping
5. Focuses on unsafe acts
 Developing safety culture
6. Focuses on supervisors/foremen – They should insist on the following accident
prevention measures:
 Development of safe working conditions
 Creation of safe work habits on a personalized basis
 Promotion of employee participation in safety
 Taking action when safety rules are ignored
7. Accident prevention measures as suggested by International Labour Organisation
A technical conference, organized by the ILO in 1948, formulated a Model Code
of Safety Regulations for Industrial establishments, such as:
a. Provide positive protection
b. Prevent all access to the danger zone
c. Cause the operator no discomfort or inconvenience
d. Not interfere unnecessarily with production
e. Operate automatically or with minimum effort
f. Constitute preferably a built-in feature
g. Be Suitable for the job and the machine
h. Provide for machine oiling, inspection, adjustment and repair
i. Withstand long use with minimum maintenance
j. Resist normal wear and shock
k. Be durable and fire and erosion resistance
l. Not constitute a hazard by themselves; and
m. Protect against unforeseen operational contingencies.
STATUTORY SAFETY PROVISIONS
The statutory safety provisions as applicable to factories in India are found in sections 21
through 40 of the Factories Act, 1948. Detailed versions of each of these sections are listed
below.
Section 21. Fencing of machinery
In every factory every moving part of a prime mover and every flywheel connected to a prime
mover and every dangerous part of any other machinery shall be securely fenced by safeguards.
Section 22. Work on or near machinery in motion
Where in any factory it becomes necessary to examine any part of machinery referred to in
section 21, while the machinery is in motion, such examination or operation shall be made or
carried out only by a specially trained adult male worker wearing tight fitting clothing (which
shall be supplied by the occupier) whose name has been recorded in the register prescribed in
this behalf and who has been furnished with a certificate of his appointment, and while he is so
engaged, - such worker shall not handle a belt at a moving pulley unless
(i) the belt is not more than fifteen centimeters in width;
(ii) the pulley is normally for the purpose of drive and not merely a fly-wheel or balance wheel
(in which case a belt is not permissible);
(iii) the belt joint is either laced or flush with the belt;
(iv) the belt, including the joint and the pulley rim, are in good repair; and
(vii)any ladder in use for carrying out any examination or operation aforesaid is securely fixed or
lashed or is firmly held by a second person.
No woman or young person shall be allowed to clean, lubricate or adjust any part of a prime
mover or of any transmission machinery while the prime mover or transmission machinery is in
motion
The State Government may, by notification in the official. Gazette, prohibit, in any specified
factory or class or description of factories, the cleaning, lubricating or adjusting by any person of
specified parts of machinery when those parts are in motion.
Section 23. Employment of young persons on dangerous Machines
No young person shall be required or allowed to work at any machine to which this section
applies, unless he has been fully instructed as to the dangers arising in connection with the
machine and the precautions to be observed and a. has received sufficient training in work at the
machine, or b. is under adequate supervision by a person who has a thorough knowledge and
experience of the machine.
Section 24. Self-acting machines
No traversing (Go through) part of a self-acting machine in any factory and no material carried
thereon shall, if any person is liable to pass, whether in the course of his employment or
otherwise, be allowed to run on its outward or inward traverse within a distance of forty-five
centimeters from any fixed structure which is not part of the machine
Section 25. Casing (covering) of new machinery
In all machinery driven by power and installed in any factory after the commencement
of this Act,
a. every set screw, bolt or key on any revolving shaft, spindle, wheel pinion shall be so sunk,
encased or otherwise effectively guarded as to prevent danger;
b. all spur or friction gearing which does not require frequent adjustment while in motion shall
be completely encased.
Section 26. Prohibition of employment of women and Children near cotton-openers
No woman or child shall be employed in any part of a factory for pressing cotton in which a
cotton-opener is at work.
Provided that if the feed-end of a cotton-opener is in a room separated from the delivery end by a
partition extending to the roof, women and children may be employed on the side of the partition
where the feed-end is situated.
Section 27. Hoists and lifts - In every factory
(a) Every hoist and lift shall be –
(i) of good mechanical construction, sound material and adequate strength;
(ii) properly maintained and thoroughly examined by a competent person at least once in every
period of six months, and a register shall be kept containing the prescribed particulars of every
such examination;
(b) Every hoist and lift shall be sufficiently protected by an enclosure fitted with gates.
(c) The maximum safe working load shall be plainly marked on every hoist or lift,
(d) The cage of every hoist or lift used for carrying persons shall be fitted with a gate.
Section 28. Lifting machines, chains, ropes and lifting tackles
In any factory the following provisions shall be complied with in respect of every lifting machine
(other than a hoist and lift) and every chain, rope and lifting tackle for the purpose of raising or
lowering persons, goods or materials:- all parts, including the working gear, whether fixed or
movable, of every lifting machine and every chain, rope or lifting tackle shall be –
(i) of good construction, sound material and adequate strength and free from defects;
(ii) properly maintained; and
(iii) thoroughly examined by a competent person at least once in a year and a register shall be
kept containing the prescribed particulars of every such examination;

Explanation: In this section,

a. “lifting machine” means a crane, crab, winch, toggle, pulley block, gin wheel, transporter or
runway;
b. “lifting tackle” means any chain, sling, rope sling, hook, shackle, swivel, coupling, socket,
clamp, tray or similar appliance, whether fixed or movable, used in connection with the raising
or lowering of persons, or loads by use of lifting machines.
Section 29. Revolving machinery
1. In every factory in which the process of grinding is carried on there shall be permanently
affixed to or placed near each machine in use a notice indicating the maximum safe working
peripheral speed of every grindstone or abrasive wheel.
2. The speeds indicated in notices under sub-section (1) shall not be exceeded.
3. Effective measures shall be taken in every factory to ensure that the safe working peripheral
speed of every revolving vessel, cage, basket, flywheel, pulley, disc or similar appliance driven
by power is not exceeded.
Section 30. Pressure plant
1. If in any factory, any plant or machinery is operated at a pressure above atmospheric
pressure, effective measures shall be taken to ensure that the safe working pressure of such
plant or machinery.
2. The State Government may make rules providing for the examination and testing of any plant
or machinery such as is referred to in sub-section (1) and prescribing
such other safety measures.
Section 31. Floors, stairs and means of access - In every factory
i. All floors, steps, stairs, passages and gangways shall be of sound construction and properly
maintained and shall be kept free from obstructions and substances likely to cause persons to
slip, and where it is necessary to ensure safety, steps, stairs, passages and gangways shall be
provided with substantial handrails;
ii. when any person has to work at a height from where he is likely to fall, provision shall be
made, so far as is reasonably practicable, by fencing or otherwise, to ensure the safety of the
person so working.
Section 32. Pits, sumps, openings in floors, etc.
1. In every factory fixed vessel, sump, tank, pit or opening in the ground or in a floor which, by
reasons of its depth, situation, construction or contents, is or may be a source of danger, shall be
either securely covered or securely fenced.
2. The State Government may, by order in writing, exempt, subject to such conditions as may be
prescribed, any factory or class or description of factories in respect of any vessel, sump, tank,
pit or opening from compliance with the provisions of this section
Section 33. Excessive weights
1. No person shall be employed in any factory to lift, carry or move any load so heavy as
to be likely to cause him injury.
2. The State Government may make rules prescribing the maximum weights which may be lifted,
carried or moved by adult men, adult women, adolescents and children employed in factories.
Section 34. Protection of eyes
In respect of any such manufacturing process carried on in any factory, being a process which
involves –
a. risk of injury to the eyes from particles or fragments thrown off in the course of the process, or
b. risk to the eyes by reason of exposure to excessive light,
The State Government may by rules require that effective screens or suitable goggles (Specs/
Safety glasses) shall be provided for the protection of persons employed on.
Section 35. Precautions against dangerous fumes, gases, etc.,
1. No person shall be allowed to enter any chamber, tank, vat, pit, pipe, flue or other confined
space in any factory in which any gas, fume, vapour or dust is likely to be present to such an
extent as to involve risk to persons being overcome thereby, unless it is provided with a manhole
of adequate size or other effective means of egress (outlet).
Section 36 A. Precautions regarding the use of portable Electric light - In any factory
a. No portable electric light or any other electric appliance of voltage exceeding twenty-four
volts shall be permitted for use inside any chamber, tank, vat, pit, pipe, flue or other confined
space unless adequate safety devices are provided; and
b. if any inflammable gas, fume or dust is likely to be present in such chamber, tank, vat, pit,
pipe, flue or other confined space, no lamp or light other than that of flame-proof construction
shall be permitted to be used therein.
Section 37. Explosive or inflammable dust, gas, etc
1. Where in any factory any manufacturing process produces dust, gas, fume or vapour of such
character and to such extent as to be likely to explode to ignition, all practicable measures shall
be taken to prevent any such explosion by –
a. effective enclosure of the plant or machinery used in the process;
b. removal or prevention of the accumulation of such dust, gas, fume or vapour;
c. exclusion or effective enclosure of all possible sources of ignition (explosion).
Section 38. Precautions in case of fire
(1) In every factory, all practicable measures shall be taken to prevent outbreak of fire and its
spread, both internally and externally, and to provide and maintain –
a. safe means of escape for all persons in the event of a fire,
b. the necessary equipment and facilities for extinguishing fire.
(2) Effective measures shall be taken to ensure that in every factory all the workers are familiar
with the means of escape in case of fire and have been adequately trained in the routine.
Section 39. Power to require specifications of defective Parts or tests of stability
If it appears to the Inspector that any building or part of a building or any part of the ways,
machinery or plant in a factory is in such a condition that it may be dangerous to human life or
safety, he may serve on the occupier or manager or both of the factory an order in writing
requiring him before a specified date –
a. to furnish such drawings, specifications and other particulars as may be necessary to determine
whether such building, ways, machinery or plant can be used with safety, or
b. to carry out such test in such manner as may be specified in the order, and to inform the
Inspector of the results thereof.
Section 40. Safety of buildings and machinery
(1) If it appears to the Inspector that any building or part of a building or any part of the ways,
machinery or plant in a factory is in such a condition that it is dangerous to human life or safety,
he may serve on the occupier or manager or both of the factory an order in writing specifying the
measures which in his opinion should be adopted, and requiring them to be carried out
before a specified date.
(2) If it appears to the Inspector that the use of any building or part of a building or any part of
the ways, machinery or plant in a factory involves imminent (about to happen) danger to human
life or safety, he may serve on the occupier or manager or both of the factory an order in writing
prohibiting its use until it has been properly repaired or altered.
Section 40 A. Maintenance of buildings
If it appears to the Inspector that any building or part of a building in a factory is in such a state
of disrepair as is likely to lead to conditions detrimental (harmful) to the health and welfare of
the workers, he may serve on the occupier or manager or both of the factory an order in writing
specifying the measures which in his opinion should be taken and requiring the same to be
carried out before such date as is specified in the order.
Section 40 B. Safety officers - In every factory,
A safety officer is required
(i) wherein 1000 or more workers are ordinarily employed, or
(ii) wherein, in the opinion of the State Government, any manufacturing process or operation is
carried on, which process or operation involves any risk of bodily injury, poisoning or disease, or
any other hazard to health, to the persons employed in the factory, the occupier shall, if so
required by the State Government by notification in the Official Gazette, employ such number of
Safety Officers as may be specified in that notification.
(2) The duties, qualifications and conditions of service of Safety Officers shall be such as may be
prescribed by the State Government.
Section 41. Powers to make rule to supplement this chapter
The State Government may make rules requiring the provision in any factory or in any class or
description of factories of such further devices and measures for securing the safety of persons
employed therein as it may deem necessary.

WORKERS’ HEALTH (Industrial Health)

Meaning
The Joint I.L.O AND W.H.O committee on organizational health held in 1950 defined
organizational health as
 The promotion and maintenance of physical, mental and social well-being of
workers in all occupations.
 Preventing among workers of ill health caused by the working conditions.
 Protection of workers in their employment from risk factors adverse to health.
 Placing and maintenance of worker in an occupational environment adapted to his
physical and psychological equipment.
Importance of Industrial Health
 As the large member of workers spend a great deal of their time in an organization,
their environment is not usually conducive to a health life.
 Malnutrition, insanity and psychological conditions and the stress and strain under
which they work is very injurious to their health.
 The symptoms of bad health are a high rate of absenteeism and turnover and
indiscipline, poor performance and low productivity.
 Industrial health programmes are very useful for reduction in the rate of labour
turnover, absenteeism, accidents, lower performance and occupational diseases.
Statutory Health Measures
The Factories Act, 1948 comprises 11 chapters and 120 sections with a schedule listing
notifiable diseases. Sections 11 to 20 of The Factories Act, 1948 list the Statutory Health
measures to be provided for its workers. They are as follows: The number mentioned in the left
extreme are the actual section number as found in the Act.
Section 11. Cleanliness
Every factory shall be kept clean and free from effluvia arising from any drain, privy or other,
nuisance, and in particular –
a. accumulations of dirt and refuse shall be removed daily by sweeping or by any other effective
method from the floors and benches of workrooms and from staircases and passages, and
disposed of in a suitable manner;
b. the floor of every workroom shall be cleaned at least once in every week by washing, using
disinfectant, where necessary, or by some other effective method;
c. where a floor is liable to become wet in the course of any manufacturing process to such
extent as is capable of being drained, effective means of drainage shall be provided and
maintained;
d. all inside walls and partitions, all ceilings or tops of rooms and all walls, sides and tops of
passages and staircases shall - where they are painted, be repainted or re-varnished least once in
every period of five years; and the whitewashing or colour-washing shall be carried out at least
once in every period of fourteen months;
e. all doors and window frames and other wooden or metallic frame work and shutters shall be
kept painted or varnished at least once in every period of five years;
f. the dates on which the processes are carried out shall be entered in the prescribed register.
Section 12. Disposal of wastes and effluents
The Effective arrangements shall be made in every factory for the treatment of wastes and
effluents due to the manufacturing process carried on therein, so as to render them innocuous,
and for their disposal.
Section 13. Ventilation and temperature
Effective and suitable provision shall be made in every factory for securing and maintaining in
every workroom –
(a) adequate ventilation by the circulation of fresh air, and
(b) such a temperature as will secure to workers therein reasonable conditions of comfort and
prevent injury to health; and in particular- where the nature of the work carried on in the factory
involves, or is likely to involve, the production of excessively high temperatures such adequate
measures as are practicable shall be taken to protect the workers therefrom, by separating the
process which produces such temperatures from the workroom, by insulatingthe hot parts or by
other effective means.
Section 14. Dust and fume
(1) Effective measures shall be taken to prevent its inhalation and accumulation in any
workroom, and if any exhaust appliance is necessary for this purpose, it shall be applied as near
as possible to the point of origin of the dust, fume or other impurity, and such point shall be
enclosed so far as possible.
Section 15. Artificial humidification
In respect of all factories in which the humidity of the air is artificially increased, the
State Government may make rules, -
(a) prescribing standards of humidification;
(b) regulating the methods used for artificially increasing the humidity of the air,
(c) In any factory in which the humidity of the air is artificially increased, the water used for the
purpose shall be taken from a public supply, or other source of drinking water, or shall be
effectively purified before it is so used.
Section 16. Overcrowding
(1) No room in any factory shall be overcrowded to an extent injurious to the health of the
workers employed therein.
(2) A factory in existence on the date of the commencement of this Act at least 9.9 cubic
metres and of a factory built after the commencement of this Act at least 14.2 cubic metres or
space for every worker employed therein.
(3) There shall be posted in each workroom of a factory a notice specifying the maximum
number of workers.
Section 17. Lighting
(1) In every part of a factory where workers are working or passing there shall be provided and
maintained sufficient and suitable lighting, natural or artificial, or both.
(2) In every factory all glazed windows and skylights used for the lighting of the workroom shall
be kept clean on both the inner and outer surfaces.
Section 18. Drinking water
(1) In every factory effective arrangements shall be made to provide and maintain at suitable
points conveniently situated for all workers employed therein a sufficient supply of wholesome
drinking water.
(2) All such points shall be legibly marked “drinking water” in a language understood by a
majority of the workers employed in the factory, and no such point shall be situated within six
metres of any washing place, urinal, latrine, spittoon, open drain carrying effluent or any other
source of contamination.
(3) In every factory wherein more than 250 workers are ordinarily employed, provisions shall be
made for cooling drinking water during hot weather.
Section 19. Latrines and urinals –
(1) In every factory
(a) sufficient latrine and urinal accommodation of prescribed types shall be provided
conveniently situated and accessible to workers at all times while they are at the factory;
(b) separate enclosed accommodation shall be provided for male and female workers;
(c) such accommodation shall be adequately lighted and ventilated
(e) sweepers shall be employed whose primary duty it would be to keep clean latrines, urinals
and washing places.
(2) In every factory wherein more than 250 workers are ordinarily employed –
(a) all latrine and urinal accommodation shall be of prescribed sanitary types;
(b) the floors and internal walls, up to a height of 90 centimeters, of the latrines and urinals and
the sanitary blocks shall be laid in glazed titles or otherwise finished to provide a smooth
polished.
Section 20. SPITTOONS
(1) In every factory there shall be provided a sufficient number of spittoons in convenient places
and they shall be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition.
(2) No person shall spit within the premises of a factory except in the spittoons provided for the
purpose and a notice containing this provision and the penalty for its violation shall be
prominently displayed at suitable places in the premises.
(3) Whoever violates this rule shall be punishable with fine not exceeding 5 rupees.
 INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
Hygiene (Goddess of health) is defined as the science of health and it embraces all factors which
contribute to healthy living.
Industrial hygiene is defined as the recognition, evaluation and control of workplace hazards.
Measures to maintain industrial Hygiene
1. Hygiene at Water sources
 There should be no risk of contamination (pollution/Infectivity) of water sources
from nearby latrines, wastewater drainage, cattle, or agricultural chemicals.
 Waste water should be properly drained awa
2. Water treatment
 Purification procedure like chlorination, should be carried out on the water source
if necessary
 If necessary, water should be filtered to remove any solid material, guinea worm,
etc.
3. Water Collection
 Drinking water should be collected in clean vessels without coming into contact
with hands and other materials.
 Water should be transported in covered containers
4. Drinking water
 Drinking water should be taken from the storage vessel in such a way that hands,
cups or other objects cannot contaminate the water.
5. Water use
 Adequate amounts of water should be available and used for personal and
domestic hygiene – Minimum of 30-40 liters/person/day needed.
6. Food handling
 Hands should be washed with soap before food is prepared
 Vegetables and fruits should be washed with safe water
 Food should be properly covered
 Utensils used for food preparation and cooking should be washed with safe water
and kept in a clean place.
 OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
# Occupational Hazard: Occupations or the activities involved in an occupation being capable
of causing harm to person is called occupational hazard.
# Types of Occupational Hazards - There are five types of hazards, depending on occupations:
1. Physical hazards - Following are the major types of hazards:
a. Heat and cold: Heat is the major problem in foundries, glass and steel industries. It
may cause burns, heat strokes, fatigue and increased accident rates.
Cold: Some important hazards associated with cold, such as chilblains,
erythrocyanosis, and immersion foot.

b. Light: Poor illumination or excessive brightness at the work place may cause
eyestrains, headaches and fatigue that may result in accidents.

c. Noise and vibration:

Noise: It is a health hazard in many industries. The effect of noise are of two types:
- Auditory effect : Temporary/Permanent hearing loss
- Non-auditory effect: Nervousness, fatigue and decreased efficiency.
Vibration: It affects the hands and arms, injuries to the joints of the hands, elbows
and shoulders
d. Ultraviolet radiation: Like X-rays and other radioactive rays causes redness of eyes
and pain, genetic disorders, cancer, leukemia, etc.
2. Chemical hazards: The Chemical hazards are on the increase with the introduction of
newer and complex chemicals. It may cause skin diseases, allergy, cancer and like.
3. Biological hazards: Persons working among animals and those engaged in the
manufacturing of animal products (Eg. Hair wool) and agricultural workers are
particularly exposed to these hazards. It causes anthrax, tetanus, fungal infections, etc
4. Mechanical hazards: This is from moving parts of machinery, fire, explosion and
electricity.
5. Psychological hazards: It is arises from lack of job satisfaction, emotional tension,
frustration, insecurity and poor human relationships.
# Statutory requirements for hazardous manufacturing Process
Where in a factory a manufacturing process of hazardous nature is carried on, the factory shall
compulsorily comply with sections 41A through 41H of the Factories Act, 1948. These sections
are as follows:
Section 41A. Constitution of site appraisal committees
(1) The State Government may, for purposes of advising it to consider applications for grant of
permission for the initial location of a factory involving a hazardous process or for the expansion
of any such factory, appoint a Site Appraisal Committee consisting of –
(a) The Chairman - Chief Inspector of the State
(b) Representatives of the Central Board - appointed by the Central Govt. (1 Person from each
dept.)
- For Prevention and Control of Water Pollution (1 Person)
- For Prevention and Control of Air Pollution
(c) Representatives of the State Board (1 Person from each dept.)
- For Prevention and Control Water Pollution
- For Prevention and Control of Air Pollution
- From the Department of Environment in the State
(d) A representative from
- Meteorological Department of the Government of India;
- Expert in the field of occupational health; and
- Town Planning Department of the State Government
- A scientist having specialized knowledge of the hazardous process

(e) A representative of the local authority within whose jurisdiction the factory
(2) The Site Appraisal Committee shall examine an application for the establishment of a factory
involving hazardous process and make its recommendation to the State Government within a
period of ninety days of the receipt of such applications in the prescribed form.
Section 41 B. Compulsory disclosure of information by the occupier
(1) The occupier of every factory involving a hazardous process shall disclose in the manner
prescribed all information regarding dangers, including health hazards and the measures to
overcome such hazards arising from the exposure to or handling of the materials or substances in
the manufacture, transportation, storage and other processes, to the workers employed in the
factory, the Chief Inspector, the local authority within whose jurisdiction the factory is situate
and the general public in the vicinity.
(2) The occupier shall, at the time of registering the factory involving a hazardous process, lay
down a detailed policy with respect to the health and safety of the workers employed therein.
Section 41C. Specific responsibility of the occupier in Relation to hazardous processes
Every occupier of a factory involving any hazardous process shall –
(a) maintain accurate and up-to-date health records or, as the case may be, medical records, of
the workers in the factory who are exposed to any chemical, toxic or any other harmful
substances.
(b) Appoint persons who possess qualifications and experience in handling hazardous substances
and are competent to supervise such handling within the factory
Section 41D. Power of central government to appoint inquiry committee
The Central Government may, in the event of the occurrence of an extraordinary situation
involving a factory engaged in a hazardous process, appoint an Inquiry Committee to inquire into
the standards of health and safety observed in the factory with a view to finding out the causes of
any failure or neglect in the adoption of any measures.
Section 41E. Emergency standards
(1) Where the Central Government is found that no standards of safety have been prescribed in
respect of a hazardous process or class of hazardous processes, it may direct the Director-Geeral
of Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes, to lay down emergency standards.
Section 41F. Permissible limits of exposure of Chemical and Toxic substances
The maximum permissible limits of exposure of chemical and toxic substances in manufacturing
processes (whether hazardous or otherwise) in any factory shall be of the value indicated in the
Second Schedule and make suitable changes in this Schedule if needed.
Section 41G. Workers’ participation in safety management
The occupier shall, in every factory where a hazardous process takes place, set up a Safety
Committee consisting of equal number of representatives of workers and management to
promote co-operation between the workers and the management in maintaining proper safety and
health at work.
Section 41H. Right of workers to warn about imminent Danger
(1) Where the workers employed in any factory engaged in a hazardous process have reasonable
apprehension that there is a likelihood of imminent danger to their lives or health due to any
accident, they may bring the same to the notice of the occupier, agent, manager or any other
person who is in charge of the factory or the process concerned directly or through their
representatives in the Safety Committee and simultaneously bring the same to the notice of the
Inspector.
(2) It shall be the duty of such occupier, agent, manager or the person in charge of the factory or
process to take immediate remedial action if he is satisfied about the existence of such imminent
danger and send a report forthwith of the action taken to the nearest Inspector.

Protection against health hazards

 By substituting less toxic substances for the hazardous chemical by providing
protecting clothing &safety education.
 In radiation industries insists their employees wear badges.
 By controlling noise in factories by segregating noisy equipment.
 To take necessary actions for optimum temperature,controlling dust,clothing and
shields
Recommendations of the national commission on labour
 Protecting the workers againt any health hazards which may arise out of their work .
 Contributing towards the workers,physical and mental adjustment in particular by
the adoption of workers to the job for which they are suited.
 Establishment and maintenance of the highest possible degree of physical and
mental well being of the workers.

Psychological problems:
 Depression - This section describes the various types of depression, including
major depresion, dysthymic disorder, non-specific depression, adjustment disorder
with depression and bi-polar depression.
 Anxiety Disorders -Different anxiety problems are reviewed including panic
disorder, post traumatic stress, social anxiety, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety,
obsessive compulsive disorder and specific phobias.
 Schizophrenia - Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disease.
Here, you will find information about the causes and treatment of schizophrenia,
including information about new medications being developed to combat this
illness.
 Childhood Disorders - Childhood psychological problems related to behavioral
control problems, including ADHD, conduct disturbance, and oppositional behavior
are discussed. Separation anxiety, a common problem in young children, is also
reviewed in this section.
 Impulse Control Disorders - Psychological problems involving loss of control are
described in this section. Anger control problems are usually diagnosed as
intermittent explosive disorder by psychologists, and there is a separate discussion
of Domestic Violence problems. These problems are described in this section:
Pathological gambling, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Domestic Violence,
Kleptomania, Pyromania, Pathological Gambling, and Trichotillomania.
 Personality Disorders - General characteristics of allpersonality disorders will be
summarized, with more detailed information about obsessive compulsive,
narcissistic and borderline personality disorders.
 Adjustment Disorders - The general characteristics of adjustment disorders are
explained, as well as presenting information about life stressors that lead to
adjustment problems, such as marital conflict and job stress.
 Family Problems - Sometimes family conflicts occur because one or more family
members has a psychological disorder, such as those described above. However,
family conflicts also arise because of communication problems, parenting issues,
school problems and sibling conflict. These issues are described in this section.
 OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
# Occupational Diseases – Those arising out of or in the course of employment or
It is defined as the illness caused by the substances or conditions that the worker was brought
into contact with at the workplace or while he was working
# Types of occupational diseases:
1. Lead poisoning – Lead is a highly toxic metal. Workers who are likely to be affected by
exposure to lead are cable-makers, lead pipe makers, painter and plumbers. The harmful
effects are caused by inhalation of the dust or fumes of lead and lead compounds. It
causes vomiting and stomach pain.
2. Phosphorus poisoning – Yellow Phosphorus is poisonous. It is used in the
manufacturing of certain type of explosives. It causes Toothache and pain in jaw.
3. Mercury poisoning – Barometer and thermometer makers, laboratory workers, refiners
of gold, etc. using this highly poisonous substance. Long and continued inhalation of
even small amount of mercury vapour affects the Brain and skin diseases.
4. Manganese poisoning – Dry cell battery makers and manganese miners are affected by
this. Its dusts cause lungs problem and TB.
5. Anthrax- This is a disease of animals. Men engaged with animals, especially Woollen
makers and tannery workers are being affected by it. These germs enter the skin through
a cut or scratch.
6. Silicosis: It is caused by inhaling dust containing Silica. Silica is present in rocks, clays,
common sand and sandstones. Workers in ceramics, metal grinding, slate pencil mines
are affected by it. It causes Respiratory (breathing) problems, spitting of blood and
painful death.
7. Asbestosis: It is a disease affects the workers engaged in handling and crushing of crude
asbestos and making of asbestos mattresses.
8. Bagassois: It is an occupational disease of the lungs caused by inhalation of baggasse or
sugar-cane dust. The symptoms consist of breathlessness, cough and slight fever.
9. Coal miner’s pneumoconiosis: It may be caused due to employment in coal mining.
10. Byssionosis: It affects the lungs of the textile workers due to inhalation of cotton fibre
dusts.
11. Skin diseases: These diseases are caused by such irritations as acids, solvent bases, etc.
# Preventive and Curative measures for Occupational diseases
1. Preventive measures
a. Pre-employment and periodic medical examination
b. Removal of health hazards to the extent possible
c. Surveillance (close watch) over certain classes of workers such as women, young
persons and persons exposed to special risks
d. Emergency treatment for accidents
e. Training of first-aid personnel and education of workers in health and hygiene.
2. Curative measures
a. Restrictions on employment of women at certain hours and places
b. Protection for young persons
c. Provision of first-aid and ambulance services
d. Provision relating to cleanliness, disposal of waste and effluents, etc.

WORKPLACE COUNSELING
Counseling described as a dialogue in which one person practically helps another in her/his
difficulty.
The task of counseling is to give the worker an opportunity to explore, discover and clarify ways
of living more resourcefully and towards greater well-being.
It is basically a communication of feelings and emotions between the counselor and the client
(workmen).
Objectives of Counselling:
 Provide empathic atmosphere of genuine concern about his difficulties, tensions,
worries, problems, etc., so that he can freely discuss and share his views with
counselling.
 Increase his personal & interpersonal effectiveness by assisting him in analyzing
has interpersonal competence.
 Gain an insight into the dynamics of his behavior by providing necessary feedback.
 There should not be any display of difference in status between the two.
 Prepare alternate action plans for improving his performance and behavior.

Advantages of Counselling (or) Importance of Counselling:

  Counselling is an effective way to help someone with their personal problems.
 It enables people to think for themselves and take right decisions.
 It is in tune with the changing attitudes towards authority.
 Counselling reduces absenteeism and labour turnover.
 Ability to learn from mistakes and experience.
 He should be a good listener and show genuine interest in solving the problem of the
worker.
Process of workplace counseling

Stage I : Arrange the time and place

Stage II : Review documentation – Collects performance appraisal, time cards and others
Stage III : Choose a counseling interview format
o Directive for serious issues and Non-directive for non-serious issues
Stage IV : Conducting counseling interview – which includes
- Describe the problem
- Ask for explanation
- Explain the consequences
- Come to an agreement
- Summarize the meeting and follow up through continued support.