At least 3,733 workers died in factory accidents from 2012 to 2014: Govt

As many as 3,733 fatal injuries were reported in factories between 2012-2014, while non-fatal injuries were as high as 61,093, Parliament was informed on Wednesday. As per the information collected by the Chief Inspector of Factories for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, a total of 3,733 cases of fatal injuries were reported in a total 31 states and union territories.

While, non-fatal injuries during the three years stood at 61,093, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

Besides, as many as 295 workers lost their lives in coal mines during 2012-2015 (up to October 31). While, the number of workers who lost their lives in non-coal mines stood at 198 during the same period, the Minister said. When asked about occupational diseases, he said the ailments notified due to mining are silicosis, pneumoconiosis, managanese poisoning-nervous type, asbestosis, cancer of lung or stomach or pleura and peritoneum, among others.

In the manufacturing sector, 20 diseases have been notified as occupational, he added.

"National Institute of Mine's Health and National Institute of Occupational Health diagnose the occupational diseases of the workers engaged in mining. "Besides, mine managements carry out medical examinations periodically as per Mines Rules, 1955 to diagnose the disease and take preventive measures for workers engaged in mining," Dattatreya said.

Adequate provisions for safety and health of women employed in mines are made in the Mines Act, 1952, the minister said. "Employment of women in underground mine is prohibited. Women employment is permitted in above ground mines subject to legal provisions on time of work. Wages of women workers in mines is at par with men working the same type of works in mines," he added.

Dattatreya further said periodic inspection is carried out by officers of Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) to see that the mine management carries out the mining operations in accordance with the legal provisions to ensure safety of mining workers.