GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF TEXTILES

OFFICE OF THE TEXTILE COMMISSIONER

ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS BRANCH

POST BAG NO. 11500, MUMBAI- 400 020

Fax :-  022-22004693::E-mail:textilec@gmail.com

Website: www.txcindia.gov.in , www.technotex.gov.in

F. No :1(2)/2010/TTC                                                                                                               Date:  20 /05/2011

Sub:  White paper on formulation of regulations in respect of safety industrial work-wear (Heat & Flame).

Dear Sir / Madam,

According to the WHO Health for all and ILO Conventions on Occupational Safety and Health (No. 155) and on Occupational Health Services (No. 161) "every worker has the right of access to occupational health and safety services, irrespective of the sector of the economy, size of the company or type of assignment and occupation." The ultimate objective of occupational health is a healthy, safe and satisfactory work environment and a healthy, active and productive worker, free from both occupational and non-occupational diseases.

2.         It is estimated that unsafe work conditions is one of the leading causes of death and disability among India's working population. These deaths are needless and preventable. ILO estimates that around 403,000 people in India die every year due to work-related problems.

3.         In India, Industrial workers do not enjoy privileges and rights that are available to industrial worker of developed countries. For example, the employers of European foundries provide to their employees all kinds of safety equipment like fire retardant clothing, safety goggles, safety gloves, specially designed boots and other safety equipment. However, in India the scene is entirely different. For example, the Indian foundry workers work in dangerous conditions with no safety work wear; often bare body or with just under garments. Industries do not provide safety work wear to the employees because of two reasons. The first reason is ignorance of employees about safety norms. Secondly, there is no legislation in India which talks about compulsory use of safety work wear for hazardous industries. Since there is no legislation, employers take the same for granted and do not provide a safe work environment. Labour Inspectors inspecting factories do know that there is no safety for such workers, yet they do not take any action because of the laws have been drafted precisely with no place for safety work wear.

4.         Therefore it is essential to review the entire set of 69 Industrial Laws to provide for legislative amendment in our country. As a first step, Office of the Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles in its endeavor to encourage use of safety work wear in industries, has appointed Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) (Centre of Excellence on protective textiles established by Ministry of Textiles) to identify legislations and standards which are required to be amended or introduced. NITRA has prepared white paper on formulation of regulations in respect of safety industrial work-wear (Heat & Falme) and the complete report is enclosed herewith. Since you being one of the stakeholders, you are requested to offer your comments on the report.

                                                                                                                                               Yours Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                                          sd/

                                                                                                                                               (Smt. Shashi Singh)

                                                                                                                                      Joint Textile Commissioner (E)

To

All Stake holders

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