National Policy on Safety, Health and Environment at Workplace
The Government of India has declared a National Policy on Safety, Health and Environment at Workplace on 20th February, 2009. The salient features of the National Policy are as under:-
(i) It recognizes safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental human right.
(ii) It aims at enhancing the well-being of the employees and the society at large by eliminating work related injuries, diseases, etc.
(iii) It enumerates the goals to be achieved and brings into focus the objective of continuous reduction in the incidence of work related injuries and diseases.
(iv) It describes the action programme with nine key strategies i.e. Enforcement, Development of National Standards, Compliance, Awareness, Research and Development, Skills Development, Data Collection, Practical Guidance and Incentives.
(v) It also provides for regular review at least once in five years.
The Government has taken up with all concerned Ministries/Departments to work out their detailed action plan relevant to their working environment as per the guidelines contained in the Policy. The Directorate General Factory Advice Service & Labour Institutes an attached office of Ministry of Labour & Employment is organizing four Regional Workshops to create awareness about the National Policy and to formulate action plan for implementing the National Policy. Besides, the general guidelines and details for development of a safety culture and ensuring safety and health and general environment are available in the form of comprehensive legislations enacted by the Government of India, for the workers employed in factories, mines and port sectors namely, Factories Act, 1948, Mines Act, 1952 and the Dock Workers (Safety, Health & Welfare) Act, 1986. The Statutes stipulate a systems approach to identify, assess and prevent hazards at the workplace so as to reduce injuries and diseases.
Shri Harish Rawat,
Minister of State for Labour And Employment.
