Industrial accidents, fatalities decline 20% in Gujarat in 2019

Gandhinagar:State government’s efforts to ensure compliance with safety standards showing results, says ACS Vipul Mittra

Gandhinagar: The state government’s multi-pronged efforts to ensure compliance with safety standards in industries seem to be bearing fruit. Official data shows that industrial accidents in the state, as well as fatalities have declined by 20% in the current year.

Data released by the Director of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH), which functions under the state Labour and Employment department, shows that 213 industrial accidents took place in the state between January and November 2018. The number was 168 in the same eleven-month period of 2019.

The number of fatalities in industrial accidents in January-November 2018 was 229, which declined to 185 in January-November 2019.

Vipul Mittra, additional chief Secretary, Labour and Employment department, attributed the decline in industrial accidents and fatalities to increased awareness levels and better compliance with safety norms.

“We are working on measures towards zero accidents in factories and construction sites. We are focusing on creating awareness among industries as well as workers about the need to comply with safety guidelines and protocols. We have also initiated strict action against units found to be wanting as far as safety is concerned, and those taking workplace safety lightly,” Mittra said.

The Labour and Employment Department has formed an expert committee on health and safety to suggest ways to improve industrial safety.

“We are working closely with other government departments & agencies, voluntary organizations, and industries to ensure greater awareness, and compliance with safety regulations. We are also conducting regular review meetings to track progress and to see how compliance can be improved,” he said.

Recently, DISH came out with a circular directing industrial units to ensure that Personal Protective Equipment provided to employees and workers meet the minimum Indian standards.

The Labour and Employment department has instituted ‘Shram Awards’ to motivate workers, and also provides grants to voluntary organizations for holding safety seminars and awareness programs.