MANAGEMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

AT STATE LEVEL
 
8.1    Introduction
 
Management of safety and health at the state level is more complex than at the unit level.  At unit level the
problems are relatively simple and unit specific depending upon the type of industry.  However at the state level
the management of safety and health is not unit or industry specific and the instruments such as policies,
legislation, etc. are required to be more comprehensive to take care of safety and health issues in all type of
occupations.  Apart from the Factories Act, 1948, there are other legislations for providing a better work
environment, safety, health and welfare facilities.  These legislations are enforced by various state government
authorities such as the Chief Inspector of Factories, the State Labour commissioner, etc.
 
Education and training plays an important role in management of safety and health at state level and thus cannot
be neglected.  Non-government organizations (NGOs), voluntary organization’s, institutions and agencies
engaged in safety and health are contributing in their own way towards the objective for giving the workers a safe
and healthy work environment.
 
Safety  and health at work is governed by a variety of statutes  in the state depending on the nature of work place,
manufacturing activity and  specific  aspects  of safety and health.  Some  of  the  important statutes are given
below :
 
         1.         The Factories Act,1948
         2.         The Tamil Nadu Factories Rules,1950
         3.         Indian Boilers Act,1923
         4.         Dangerous machines (Regulations) Act,1983
5.                  Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulations) Act,1986
6.                  Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals
                     Rules,1989
         7.         Control of Major Accident Hazards Rules, 1993
         8.         Dock Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare)Regulations,1990
9.                  Dock Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare) Rules, 1990
10.             Building and other Construction Workers Act, 1986
         11.       Indian Electricity Act, 1923
12.      Indian Electricity Rules, 1966
13.      Indian Explosives Act, 1884
14.      The Petroleum Act, 1934
          15.      Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels Rules, 1981.

Different departments of the Central Government and  the State Government  are entrusted with the
responsibility  of  enforcement  of these statutes.  The efforts of the enforcement agencies are  also
supplemented by other organization’s such as training and  research institutions,  employers associations,
employees associations,  etc. in promoting occupational safety and health in the state. A brief account of these
organizations is given in the following paragraphs.

8.2      Regional Labour Institute, Chennai

 
8.2.1            Profile
 
The Directorate General Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI) formerly known as the Office of
Chief Advisor of Factories was set up in Delhi in 1945 under the Ministry of Labour, Government of India.  The
Directorate General, Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI) comprises Central Labour Institute,
Mumbai, Regional Labour Institutes at Madras, Kanpur, Kolkatta and Faridabad.
 
The Regional Labour Institute, Chennai, was set up in the year 1960 with its Safety, Health and Welfare Centre
located in a rented premises at Royapettah.  All the activities and facilities of the Institute were then consolidated
in its own premises at No.1, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai.
 
The Regional Labour Institute, Chennai is equipped in the following areas:
 
§              Industrial Safety
§              Industrial Hygiene
§              Industrial Medicine
§              Major Accident Hazards Control
 
8.2.2            Facilities Available
 
The facilities available in the Regional Labour Institute, Chennai are:
 
§              Industrial Safety, Health & Welfare Center
§              Mobile Safety Exhibition
§              Library
§              Auditorium and Conference Hall
§              Hostel
 
The Industrial Safety Division aims at Achieving improvement in the working conditions and safety standards of
factories and Docks through training, consultancy, field studies, surveys and other promotional activities.  It has
contributed to the following achievements:
 
Ø           Evolution of a Safety movement in the Country
Ø           Creation of national awareness on safety
Ø           Better Administration of the Factories Act through training of Inspectors of  Factories and technical support.
Ø                    Inplant training programmes on Safety, Audits, Surveys and Consultancy studies are part of the safety
activity of this Institute.
 
The Industrial Hygiene Division is basically concerned with the improvement of Industrial work environment and
comprises of Industrial Hygiene Laboratory (IHL) with all equipment related, to the division.  The division
undertakes various studies/syrvets, national projects and training courses to protect the health of industrial
workers through identification, evaluation and control of occupational health hazards and advises the
management on ways to meet the requirements.  The division also organizes training courses in the areas of
Industrial Hygiene for a specific group of industries.  These training courses are offered to safety officers,
chemists, supervisors and middle level managers in the identification and assessment and control of
occupational hazards in their factories.
 
The Industrial Medicine Division aims to prevent and contain health hazards at the workplace brought in by
industrialization.  The hazards may arise from chemicals or from physical factors such as noise, heat, vibration
and radiation.  Occupational health studies and surveys covering particular industries like asbestos, dye-stuff,
cement, chemical, engineering and port are carried out to assess the incidence of occupational diseases.   
Suitable recommendations such as medical surveillance, use of personal protective equipment, facilities for
personal hygiene and first aid, etc. are made to prevent and control health hazards.  It also carries out training for
medical officers and workers.  The laboratory attached to the division has facilities for medical investigation,
including visual acuity tests, audiometric evaluation and pulmonary function tests.
 
The MAHC division offers the services of conducting training courses, seminars and workshops on MAHC for
senior executives, trade union leaders, senior government officials, safety officers, worker members of safety
committee.   Organize specialized training courses/workshops on Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) study, pipeline
safety, safety in process control and safety audit.
 
Industrial Safety, Sealth and Welfare Centre demonstrates methods, arrangements and appliances for promoting
safety and health of workers.  The Centre has models and exhibits regarding safety, health and welfare in the
form of properly guarded machines, personal protective equipment, safe methods of material handling, light and
colour schemes and other arrangements, for propagating the message of safety and health at workplaces.  This
Centre is opened to organized groups from industries and educational institutions.
 
 Mobile Safety Exhibition:  The Mobile Safety Exhibition was set up to carry message of safety right to the
doorsteps of factories and docks.  The exhibition van highlights the hazards in industrial processes, and the use
of safety appliances and demonstrates the safeguards, which should be followed to prevent industrial accident.
 
The Workshop provides engineering support to the Industrial Safety, Health and Welfare Centre and Mobile Safety
Exhibition Van by way of production and maintenance of Exhibits and Models.
 
The Library has about 6000 books  and 2000 reports on the various disciplines dealt by this Institute.  The library,
though primarily meant for the faculty of the Institute, is also referred by people from industry, and post graduate
students of professional courses.  The Diploma students were allowed for reference and issue of books.
 
The Regional Labour Institute has an Art Section which is evolved in paintings of safety posters, maintaining the
colour of safety equipment and other matter connected with the institute programmes.
 
The Institute has an Auditorium with a seating capacity of 300 persons is useful for conducting seminars,
inaugural functions and all other functions by this Institute and given for other departments on request.
 
The Regional Labour Institute Hostel well furnished with rooms for are mostly occupied by the Diploma students,
training participants and senior officers from Government Departments.
 
8.2.3            Diploma Course in Industrial Safety
 
The Diploma Course in Industrial Safety, a recognized Course by Directorate of Technical Education, Government
of Tamilnadu, was conducted every year with a duration of 10 months.  Lectures supplemented by discussions,
laboratory work, visit to industrial establishments, seminars, films.  On completion of the curriculum an
examination is conducted by Board of Technical Examinations and successful candidates are awarded the
Certificate.
 
The course is currently being conducted for the 22nd batch of students. So far, 729 students have undergone this
course in 21 batches.
 
8.2.4       Activities
 
The institute undertakes training, research and consultancy activities in the field of Occupational Safety and
Health. The details are given in Table-8.1.
 
TABLE - 8.1
 
ACTIVITIES OF REGIONAL LABOUR INSTITUTE
(2001 -2002)
 
No. of No. of
S. No. Activity Achievements
Organisations Participants
1. Consultancy Studies / Surveys 4 4 -
2. National Studies 6 - -
3. Diploma In Industrial Safety 1 32 35
4. Seminar / Workshop 6 62 205
5. Training Programmes 4 - 57
6. In-plant training Programmes 6 4 139
7. Appreciation Programme 85 52 1502
8. Mobile Safety Exhibition 5 5 5000
9. Papers Presented / published 3 3 -
10. Talks Delivered 5 5 308
11. Technical Advice 5 5 -
 
 
8.3      Office of the Chief Inspector of Factories
 
The Inspectorate of Factories is enforcing the Factories Act, 1948 and 13 other Labour enactments in the
factories registered under the Factories Act.  By the enforcement of the important Labour legislations, the health,
safety and welfare of the workers employed in registered factories are protected.
 
8.3.1            Organisational Set up
 
The administration and enforcement of various Acts by the Inspectorate is under the over all charge of the Chief
Inspector of Factories.  The Chief Inspector of Factories is assisted by 1 Additional Chief Inspector of Factories, 4
Joint Chief Inspectors of Factories, 29 Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories, 50 Inspectors of Factories, 45
Assistant Inspectors of Factories, 1 Civil Surgeon, 8 Assistant Civil Surgeons, 1 Administrative Officer and 1
Accounts Officer.
 
There are 13 enforcement divisions which administer the Factories Act, 1948 and other allied Labour enactments
in the factories registered under the Factories Act, 1948. Further there are 10 Testing and Safety Divisions.  Each
division is headed by a Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories.  These testing and safety divisions are entrusted with
the work of testing Pressure Plants.  They are also conducting Safety Training Programmes, Safety Surveys and
Seminars in Factories and health surveys are also conducted along with the Assistant Civil Surgeons attached to
these divisions.
 
There is a Major Accident Hazard Control Cell functioning in the Inspectorate of Factories to prevent Major
Accident Hazard in Factories involving dangerous operations.  The Major Accident Hazard Control Cell is under
the supervisory control of Additional Chief Inspector of Factories.
 
The Productivity Cell in the Inspectorate of Factories was created mainly to impart training on the various
aspects of productivity to Industrial workers.  The Productivity cell is headed by Joint Chief Inspector of
Factories.
 
The State Level High Power Tripartite Safety Committee and the State Level Task Force/Expert Committee are
having important tasks and functions. The State Level High Power Tripartite Safety Committee has been formed
with a Member Secretary in the cadre of Chief Inspector of Factories.
 
The details of factory inspectors appointed in the state are given in Table 8.2.
 
TABLE 8.2
 
MANPOWER OF INSPECTORATES   (AS ON 31 DECEMBER,2000)
 
No. of
Strength deployed
S.  
Designation in
No.
Inspection
Sanctioned Working Duties
1. Chief Inspector of Factories 1 1 -
2. Addl.Chief Inspector of Factories 1 1 -
3. Jt. Chief Inspector of  Factories 4 4 3
4. Dy. Chief Inspector of Factories 29 29 13
5. Regional/Sr.Inspector of Factories - - -
6. Inspector of Factories 51 51 37
7. Assistant Inspector of Factories 45 30 30
8. Specialist Inspector with
designation (like Medical
- - -
Inspector, Chemical Inspector,
etc.)
9. Total of Inspection Staff(Items 1
131 116 81
to 8)
10. Certifying Surgeon:      
a) Employed by the 9 9 -
      Inspectorate      
  - - -
b) Notified
11. a) Industrial Hygiene Staff      
    (Specify)      
    (i) Chemist 1 1 -
   (ii) Laboratory Tech.      10 8 -
  (iii) Laboratory Attendant  9 9 -
       
b) Occupational Health   - - -
     Center Staff (Specify)  - - -
c) Any other Cell or Laboratory
    (Specify)                       
 
8.3.2        Activities
 
The various activities of the factory inspectorate are given the following paragraphs.
 
8.3.2.1                 Inspection Activities
 
The details of inspection activities carried out by the inspectorate for the year 2000 is given in Table-8.3.
 
TABLE-8.3
 
INSPECTION ACTIVITIES OF THE INSPECTORATE
(AS ON 31 DECEMBER,2000)
 
S.No Activity Number
No. of Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Factories
1. 32905
inspected
2. No. of Hazardous Factories inspected       3,295
3. No. of Special inspections 6189
No. of Prohibition notice issued under Sec.40(2) or
4. 11
87-A
5. No. of Improvement notices issued under Sec.41(1) -
No. of Orders calling Test Reports, etc. under
6. 10
Section 39
7. No. of Instances covered under Section 41-H -
 
 
The details of prosecutions taken up and the convictions obtained by the department under Section 92 of the
Factories Act, 1948 during the year 2000 are given in Table-8.4.
 
TABLE-8.4
 
PROSECUTIONS AND CONVICTIONS UNDER SECTION 92
(2000)
 
Penality  imposed
S. No. of No. of
Nature of Offence Imprison- Fine
No. prosecutions convictions
ment imposed
1. Employment and        
hours of work        
a) General 465 257 -- 614375
b) Women   13  10 --   10000
c) Young persons 108  73 --   88000
2. Notices,  64 261 -- 343150
Registers
 And Returns
3. Safety 448 251 -- 604430
4. Hazardous
Process/Dangerous   27  11 -- 131800
Operations
5. Health and Welfare 109 77 -- 293800
6. Others 927 534 -- 895800
 
 
8.3.2.2         Safety Promotional Activities
 
Major Accident Hazard Control Cell :
 
The Major Accident Hazard Control Cell formed in 1988 is functioning under the  Additional Chief Inspector of
Factories and over all charge of the Chief Inspector of Factories. This cell gives necessary guidelines for the
preparation of the Major Disaster Control measures and follow up actions are taken by the Inspectorate for the
execution of the control measures in respect of Factories engaged in dangerous process.  The Cell has overall
control of the Testing and Safety Division.
 
There are 100 Major Accident Hazards Units handling hazardous chemicals. The state has identified Manali,
Neyveli, Cuddalore, Ranipet, Mettur and Thoothukudi where a cluster of  MAH Units are situated.  To have a
proper disaster control in these areas, On-site Emergency Plans, detailing the control measures to be adopted by
the units engaged in such hazardous industrial activity are received, scrutinized and recorded by the chief
Inspector of Factories.  Implementation of control measures are also closely monitored through Mock drills.
 
To contain hazards to persons living around such MAH Units, Off-site Plans detailing the effective control over
emergencies are received from these units.  These measures are discussed in District Emergency Committee
headed by the Collector of respective District as the Chairman and the Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories as the
Member.  They discuss and oversee the effectiveness of such disaster control measures.
 
Safety Training And Survey Cell
 
Under the Cell, there are ten (10) Testing and Safety Divisions each headed by one Deputy chief Inspector of
Factories with supporting staff.  These divisions are to (1) Examine and Test Pressure Plants periodically as
prescribed in the rules and issue certificates, (2) conduct safety training programmes to the workers, supervisors
etc. at the Unit level.  The workers are particularly given training inputs to improve their skills and increase their
safety awareness.  Managements are advised to improve their safety standards and reduce the accidents, (3)
conduct safety surveys in accident prone factories to identify the potential hazards and suggest measures to
remove those hazards.  The findings of the Safety Survey are communicated to the Managements for
compliance.  During the year 2000, 256 Safety Training Programmes were conducted and 7,060 workers were
benefited.  Also 20 Safety Surveys were conducted in 20 factories.
 
Training Centre At Sivakasi
 
The workers employed in Match and Fire Works Factories are handling many hazardous and explosive chemicals
daily without knowing as to how they should be handled safely.  The training centre at Sivakasi headed by a
Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories is a specialized training centre exclusively for the workers woking in Match
and Fire Works. Hence the Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories (Training Centre), Sivakasi conducts, atleast ten
Training Classes every month to educate the workers in Match and Fire Works Factories about the safe methods
to be adopted in handling, processing, transporting, storing of the chemicals and safe method of working, etc.,
the Training Centre helps to reduce the accidents in match and fire workers.
 
During the year 2000, 118 training classes were conducted and 5,099 workers in Match and Fire Works Factories
were benefited.
 
State Safety Awards
 
 To enthuse the managements of the factories for a better safety performance, the Government of Tamil Nadu is
presenting State Safety Awards to the Managements every year to enthuse safety awareness among industries.
 
For better comparison the factories are divided into three groups as follows :-
 
Group A : Factories which have worked for not less than 10 lakh man-
                  hours.
Group B : Factories which have worked between 5 and 10 lakh man-hours.
Group C : Factories which have worked between 2 and 5 lakh man-hours.
 
The following three Schemes are in operation :
 
Scheme- I       This award is given to the factory which shows highest reduction in Accident Frequency Rate when
compared to the previous year.
Scheme- II      This award is given to the factory which has reported the lowest weighted frequency rate for the
year.
Scheme- III     This award is given to the factory with the longest accident free period in man-hours during the
award year.
 
 
Tamizhaga Arasin Uyarntha Uzhaipalar Virudhu
 
These Awards are meant to encourage the workers in safety activities.  These Awards are given to workmen who
make suggestions for the improvement in Safety Standards, Working Environments and Increase in Productivity. 
This Scheme which is applicable to workers in factories covered by Factories Act, is to recognize their ingenuity
at State Level and to enthuse them towards greater effects in making their contribution in this direction. 
 
Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme
 
A group personal accident insurance scheme has been formulated for the benefit of workers of Match and Fire
Works Industry in Tamil Nadu.  The Scheme is designed to give relief against death, loss of limbs, loss of eye-
sight, etc, of the insured persons due to accidents.  Accident Insurance is given to the insured persons on 24 hour
basis and will not be confined to accidents arising out of or in the course of actual occupation alone.
 
The Scheme covers the workers in Match and Fire Works in the age group of 10 to 65 years.  In the year 2000,
83.059 Workers in Match and Fire Works Factories have been covered under this Scheme on a 24 hour basis for
the coverage of Rs.50,000/-. Further, during the same year, 15 claims were settled and an amount of
Rs.7,00,000/- has been paid to the claimants.
 
Squad  Inspections of Fire Works At Sivakasi
        
In order to avoid explosions in fire works, two Special Squads consisting of four teams were constituted.  Each
team comprised of 3 Inspecting Officers.  The above four teams undertook Inspections of all the 523 Fire Works
Industries in the months of September and October for ensuring the Safety provisions provided under the special
schedule of the Tamil Nadu Factories Rules, 1950.  Due to the special efforts taken by the Inspectorate, further
explosions and accidents were avoided in Fire Works at Sivakasi during the year.
 
8.3.2.3                 Health Promotion Activities
 
There are 8 Medical Officers and one Chief Medical Officer in the state involved in health promotional activities.
These Medical officers are notified as Certifying Surgeon under the Tamil Nadu Factories Rules, 1950. 
 
Industrial Hygiene
 
Industrial Hygiene Laboratory with monitoring equipments has been set up at Chennai to monitor the
Occupational Safety and Health Status of workers employed in factories. This is headed by a Doctor in the Cadre
of Civil Surgeon. The Laboratory attached to the Industrial Hygiene Unit has facilities to assess air borne
concentration of chemicals like ammonia, Chlorine, Sulphur-di-oxide, Hydrogen Sulphide and various Mineral
dusts, etc.  Physical agent like noise in the work place is also measured.  The health team conducts Health
Surveys in Occupational-diseases-prone industries, examines and identifies the occupational diseases, takes
samples if necessary and analyses the same in the laboratory, advise the management accordingly for further
follow up and also keeps records relevant to its activities.  12 Occupational Health Surveys were conducted
during the year 2000 to assess occupational health status of workers.
        
8.3.3            State Level Productvity Cell
 
The Cell has been formed in 1985 and is headed by Joint Chief Inspector of Factories with supporting staff.  The
Cell involves in the prime objective of spreading the Productivity concept and techniques to the working class
and supervisory staff at the unit level.  They are educated and encouraged to produce more with the existing
resources avoiding the spills and wastes, and human strains.  The Cell helps in formulating incentive schemes for
higher productivity and consequent higher income.  The Cell is also conducting Productivity Training
Programmes at Unit level in order to give special knowledge on productivity and connected techniques to the
workers to improve their Productivity Skills.  It is also involved in conducting job-safety analysis, work
simplification study and time study and motion study
 
8.3.4            Site Appraisal Committee
 
A Site Appraisal Committee has been constituted as per Section 41-A of the Factories Act, 1948 for the purpose
of advising the Government to consider the applications for grant of permission for approval of the Site of factory
involving Major Accident Hazardous Process.
        
The Site Appraisal Committee received 6 applications under Section 41 of the Factories Act.  The applications
were scrutinized and submitted to Government for according permission to the Site.

8.3.5       State Level High Power Tripartite Safety Committee And The State Level Task Force/Expert Committee
        
The Government of Tamil Nadu constituted a Task Force Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of
Dr.N.Santhappa, Ex-Vice Chancellor, Madras University during the year 1985 after the Bhopal disaster, to study
and submit a report about the adequacy of safety measures taken by the hazardous chemical industries in Tamil
Nadu to protect health and safety of the workers as well as the general public.  The Committee made several
valuable recommendations to Government.
 
Accepting the recommendations of the Committee, the Government of Tamil Nadu has constituted two
Committee for updating the information of occupational health hazards and implementation of safety provisions
in chemical and other industries which are using hazardous chemicals and processes involving highly toxic
substances. They are the State Level High Power Tripartite Safety Committee and the State level Task
Force/Expert Committee.
 
8.4        Office of the Regional Labour Commissioner(Central)
 
The organization of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) or the Central Industrial Relations Machinery
(CIRM) as it is often referred to, performs various functions which, inter-alia, include prevention and settlement of
industrial disputes in industries, in respect of which the Central Government is the ‘appropriate Government’
under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947; implementation of the settlements and tribunal awards in the Central
Sphere as also the recommendations of the Central Wage Board, administration of various labour laws to the
extent which their administration is a Central responsibility, verification of membership of unions affiliated to
Central Trade Union Organization of Workers and those operating in the nationalized banks and the State Bank of
India and its seven associated banks, Ports and Docks and under Code of Discipline for the purpose of according
representations in conferences/ committees/ ILO and of unions to determine the representative character for
recognition under Code of Discipline of the Union.  It also undertakes investigation into breaches of Code of
Discipline.
 
The Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) is also responsible for the enforcement of labour laws, such as the
Payment of Wages Act 1936, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, the Industrial Employment
(Standing Orders) Act, 1946; the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948; the Dock Workers
(Regulation of Employment) Act, 1948; the Maternity Benefit Act 1961 in the Circus Industry; Hours of
Employment Regulation framed under the Railways Act, 1890; the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; the Contract
Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970; the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972; the Equal Remuneration Act 1976
and the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 in their
application to establishments falling in the Central Sphere. Besides, the C.L.C. © is also the implementing
authority for Fair Wage Clause and MES Contract Labour Regulations.
 
The Regional Labour Commissioner (Central) is the head of the Regioal Industrial Relations Machinery.  The
regional commissioner for the southern region is located at Chennai.
 
8.5    Office of the Regional Labour Commissioner (State)
 
The Labour and Employment Department is administering matters relating to Industrial relations, Safety of
workers, Labour Welfare, Employment Exchanges and Technical training. There are three Heads of Department.
The Commissioner of Labour looks after Industrial Relations and Labour Welfare. The Chief Inspector of
Factories deals with safety in Factories. The Commissioner of Employment and Training heads two wings. The
Employment Wing deals with Employment Services through a network of Employment Exchanges. The Training
Wing deals with technical training through a number of Industrial Training Institutes and similar institutions.
Social Security is provided in a large measure, by two Central Organisations viz., The Employees Provident Fund
Organisation and the Employees State Insurance Corporation. The State Labour Welfare Board provides welfare
services to workers in the organised sector.
 
The Construction Workers Board, Manual Workers Board and other Boards provide Welfare services to workers in
the unorganised sector. The Tamil Nadu Institute of Labour Studies  conducts courses in Labour Management
and also special courses for managements, workers and officials on labour laws. The Overseas Manpower
Corporation helps find placements for workers willing to work overseas. Abolition of Child Labour is an important
goal of the State Government. All these aspects are dealt with in the subsequent chapters.
 
Since independence, in addition to the Industrial Disputes Act, a number of other laws have been enacted by
Parliament and the State Legislature to protect rights of workers and provide for their welfare. Many of the laws
are being enforced by the Labour Department. They are listed below:-
 
Industrial Relations
 
§         The Tamilnadu Shops And Establishments Act, 1947
§         The Tamil Nadu Catering Establishments Act, 1958
§         The Tamil Nadu Industrial Establishments (National And Festival Holidays) Act, 1958
§         The Trade Unions Act, 1926
§         The Payment Of Wages Act, 1936
§         The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946
§         The Plantations Labour Act, 1951
§         The Working Journalists And Other Newspaper Employees (Conditions Of Service And Miscellaneous
Provisions) Act, 1955
§         The Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961
§              Beedi And Cigar Workers (Conditions Of Employment) Act, 1966
§         Integrated Beedi Workers Housing Scheme In Tamil Nadu
§         Contract Labour (Regulation And Abolition) Act, 1970
§         The Tamil Nadu Industrial Establishment (Conferment Of Permanent Status To Workmen) Act, 1981
§         The Standards Of Weights And Measures (Enforcement) Act, 1985
 
Social Security
 
·        The Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923
§         The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
§         The Payment Of Bonus Act, 1965
§         The Payment Of Gratuity Act, 1972
§         The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
§         The Tamil Nadu Payment Of Subsistence Allowance Act, 1981
 
8.6    The Tamil Nadu Institute Of Labour Studies
 
This Institute conducts Training Programmes, Seminars, Refresher Courses, Orientation Programmes, etc.,
periodically to suit the needs of supervisory and managerial personnel of private and public sector industries.
Trade Unionists and officials of Labour and Factories Departments. This Institute also offers a Part-Time one-
year course called “Post Graduate Diploma in Labour Administration” (P.G.D.L.A) and two full time academic
courses viz. “B.L.M” and “M.L.M.” Both these courses are affiliated to the University of Madras. The University of
Madras has also recognised this Institute as a Research Institute to conduct both part-time and full time Ph.D.
programmes from the year 2001-2002 onwards. During the year 2002-2003, three Part-time and six Full-time
candidates have been admitted in the Ph.D. Programme. This year, 47 students in B.L.M., 31 students in M.L.M.
and 43 students in P.G.D.L.A. have been admitted, through a common entrance test conducted by this Institute.
 
During the year 2002, 31 seminars / training programmes were conducted for the workers, managerial persons
and traders in Tamilnadu and nearly 1930 participants benefited through these training programmes. The number
of candidates who have successfully completed the above academic course during the year is given below:-
 
B.L.M.- 47,  M.L.M.- 31,  P.G.D.L.A.- 36,  TOTAL = 114.
 
8.7    Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation
 
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation is vested with the responsibility of administering the three Social
Security Schemes under the Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act,1952 viz.
 
i)   Employees Provident Funds Scheme, 1952
ii)  Employees Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1976
iii) Employees Pension Scheme, 1995.
 
The primary objective of these three schemes is to provide social security and to inculcate amongst the workers
a spirit of savings while they are gainfully employed and to make provision for their benefit after they retire from
service and their family members if they die in harness. Tamil Nadu Regional Office in Chennai serves the
members in the State of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Pondicherry. It is headed by a Regional Provident
Fund Commissioner (Grade-I).
 
8.8    Employees State Insurance Scheme
 
Employees State Insurance Scheme of India is an integrated Social Security Scheme tailored to provide
protection to workers in the organised sector and their dependents in contingencies such as sickness, maternity,
death and disablement due to an employment injury or occupational disease as detailed below:-
 
Medical Benefit
 
Medical facilities for self and dependents are admissible from day one of entering insurable employment.
Primary, Specialist and Super Specialty services are provided through a network of ESI Dispensaries and ESI
Hospitals.
 
Sickness Benefit
 
Sickness Benefit is payable to an Insured Person in cash in the event of sickness resulting in absence from work
and duly certified by an authorised Insurance Medical Officer
 
Maternity Benefit
 
Maternity Benefit is payable to Insured Women in case of confinement or miscarriage or sickness related to
Maternity (Maximum 85 Days).
 
Disablement Benefit
 
Disablement Benefit is payable to Insured Employees suffering from physical disablement due to employment
injury or occupational disease. In addition, the Insured person is eligible for coverage under Workmen’ s
Compensation Act.
 
Dependent’s Benefit
 
Dependent’ s Benefit is payable to dependent of a deceased Insured Person where death occurs due to
Employment injury or occupational disease.
 
Extended Sickness Benefit
 
Extended sickness Benefit is payable to Insured Person for the period of certified sickness in case of specified 34
long term diseases that need prolonged treatment and absence from work on Medical advice.
 
Enhanced Sickness Benefit
 
Enhanced Sickness Benefit is payable to Insured  Persons in the productive age group for undergoing Sterilization
operation - Vasectomy/ Tubectomy.
 
Temporary Disablement Benefit
 
Temporary Disablement Benefit at 70% of wages is payable till temporary disablement lasts and is duly certified
by authorized Insurance Medical Officer.
 
Permanent Disablement Benefit
 
Permanent Disablement Benefit is payable for life.
 
Funeral Benefit
 
Funeral Benefit on death of an Insured Person is payable to a maximum of Rs. 2,500/-.
 
Others Benefits
 
Free supply of physical aids such as Crutches, Wheel Chairs, Dentures, Spectacles and such physical aids are
offered by this scheme.
 
Preventive Health Care Services such as Immunization, Family Welfare Services, HIV/AIDS Detection Treatment
etc. are available.
 
Medical Bonus at Rs. 250/- is paid to an Insured Woman or the wife of an Insured Person, in case she does not
avail hospital facilities of the scheme for child delivery.
 
The Scheme is implemented in this State in accordance with the provisions of the ESI Act, 1948. Towards this
objective, the scheme of health insurance provides full medical facilities to insured persons and their dependents,
as well as, cash benefits to compensate for any loss of  wages or earning capacity in times of physical distress.
The scheme is administered by a duly constituted corporate body called the Employees State Insurance
Corporation as provided under the ESI Act,1948.
 
In Tamil Nadu, Medical facilities are provided through a network of 180 ESI Dispensaries, 9 ESI Hospitals, 5
Mobile Dispensaries and 2 Utilisation Dispensaries. In all 2,363 beds are  available.
 
ESI Hospital, K.K. Nagar (Occupational Research Centre)
 
ESI Hospital, K.K. Nagar is run by ESI corporation, New Delhi. The Occupational Research Centre for South is
established in this hospital. The Bed Strength of this hospital is 330. Employees covered under the scheme are
entitled to medical benefits for self and their family members. They are also entitled to cash benefits in the event
of specified contingencies; resulting in loss of wages or earning capacity. The insured women are entitled to
maternity benefit for confinement. In the event of death of an insured employee due to employment injury or
occupational disease, the dependents are entitled to family pension. During the year 2002-2003, 11 new ESI
Dispensaries were opened.
 
The details of  the dispensaries region-wise is given in Table-8.5.
 
TABLE-8.5
 
REGION WISE BREAK UP OF ESI DISPENSARIES
 
Name of the
S. Static Mobile Utilisation Total   
Regional
No. Dispensary Dispensary Dispensary Dispensaries
Dispensary
1 Chennai 39 - - 39  
2. Madurai 54 1 - 55  
3. Coimbatore 37 2 - 39  
4. Salem 50 2 2 54  
Total 180 5 2 187  
 
 
8.9       Labour Bureau
 
The Labour Bureau is responsible for (a) Collection, Compilation and dissemination of various facets of Labour
Statistics on all India basis; (b) Construction and Maintenance of Working Class Consumer Price Index Numbers
for selected centers and the all-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers; (c) Construction of
Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural Workers; (d) Construction of Consumer Price Index Numbers for
Rural Labour, (e) Maintenance of up-to-date data relating to working conditions of Industrial Workers collected
earlier by the Labour Investigation Committee; (f) Undertaking research into specific problems with a view to
supplying data required for the formulation of labour policy (g) bringing out reports, pamphlets and brochures on
various aspects of labour by conducting country-wise field studies and enquiries to ascertain the working and
living conditions of  various classes of labour such as, unorganized labour, scheduled castes and scheduled
tribes labour, women workers; contract labour, and child labour, etc. and (h) publication of the ‘Indian Labour
Journal’(Monthly); the ‘Indian Labour Statistics’ (Annual); the ‘Indian Labour Year Book’ (Annual) and the ‘Pocket
Book of Labour Statistics’(Annual).
 
It also brings out reports on the Working of the Factories Act, 1948; the Minimum Wages Act 1948 which are
compiled and published (both annual), ‘The Trade Unions Act, 1926 (biennial) annual reviews on Industrial
Disputes, Closures, Lay-off and Retrenchment; the working of the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923; the
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961; the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act 1946; the Motor Transport Workers
Act, 1961; the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act; the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 and the Plantations
Labour Act, 1951 .  Employment in factories under the Factories Act, 1948, industrial disputes, monthly statistics
of absenteeism, etc., are also published in the Indian Labour Journal.  The Bureau also issues, from time to time
special publications on matters of labour interest and compiles and publishes the all-India list of Factories.
 
8.10  Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board:
 
Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), established in 1982, enforces the following pollution control laws
and rules relating to environmental protection in the state.
 
§         The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 as amended in 1978 and 1988.
§         The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 as amended  in 1991.
§         The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 as amended in 1987.
§         The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
§         The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986
§         The Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended in 2000.
§         The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 as amended in 2000.
§         The Bio-Medical Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 as amended in 2000.
§         The Recycled Plastic Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999.
 §         The Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000.
§         Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
§         The Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001.
 
TNPCB functions with its head office at Chennai. There are 25 district offices at Chennai, Coimbatore, Vellore,
Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Ambattur, Tambaram, Hosur,Vaniyambadi, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Karur, Salem, Namakkal,
Erode, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Thirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Uthagamandalam, Nagercoil, Pudukkottai,
Villupuram and Nagapattinam.
 
TNPCB has established 3 Advanced Environmental Laboratories at Chennai, Salem and Madurai, 10 District
Environmental Laboratories at Ambattur, Vellore, Cuddalore, Tiruchirapalli, Dindigul, Thirunelveli, Coimbatore,
Tiruppur, Hosur and Manali and one Mobile Environmental Laboratory at Thoothukudi.
 
TNPCB, interacts with other concerned departments/ institutions to take a coordinated action for the protection
of environment. TNPCB extends effective assistance to local bodies in urban solid waste management, by
providing training and technical assistance.
 
8.11 Department of Environment
 
The Department of Environment was created in G.O.Ms.No.335, Environment and Forests Department dated
13.10.95 as the nodal Department for dealing with Environmental Management of the State. The Department is
entrusted with the implementation of major projects like pollution abatement in the river Cauvery, Vaigai and
Tamiraparani; Pollution abatement in Chennai City waterways; National Lake Conservation Programme and all
aspects of Environment other than those dealt with by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. Recycling of solid and
liquid wastes, bio-composting, rainwater harvesting, tree planting, etc., are important in achieving environmental
conservation. Environmental conservation requires attitudinal change and generation of awareness among the
people. This is best done by infusing these ideals in the young minds of school children.
                    
8.12    Department of Industries
 
The Government of Tamil Nadu has set itself an ambitious target of 8% growth in the state economy for the 10 th
Plan period and the secondary sector has an important role to play in this regard. It is imperative for industrial
development to provide for employment for its energetic work force and its highly skilled and educated
population and to provide a strong base for the services sector to develop. The flourishing of the manufacturing
sector is crucial to promote direct opportunities of employment and to diversify the primary sector which is
burdened by a huge dependency of 62% of the population. The Industrial Policy of Tamil Nadu is accordingly
redefined to meet the challenges of globalisation and the demands of the new areas of development. Tamil Nadu
has great strength in its traditional industries of pharmaceuticals, leather, machine tools, automobile
manufacturing and auto component industry, power, pumps and light  engineering.
 
8.13    Department Of Explosives
 
The Department of Explosive is a department attached to the Ministry of Industrial Development, Government of
India.  The department with its head office at Nagpur has 5 Regional offices known as Circle Offices.  Apart from
regional offices there are a number of factory specific offices also. The Chief Controller of Explosives is the head
of the department. The Regional Office of the department is located at Chennai.
 
The Department of Explosive is entrusted with the administration of the Explosive Act, 1884, Petroleum Act, 1934
and Inflammable Substances Act, 1952 and the rules framed thereunder.  Beside these activities it has additional
responsibilities pertaining to grant of licenses in respect of the transportation of hazardous chemicals under
Petroleum Rules, 1976. 
 
8.14 Central Board of Workers Education
        
Regional Directorate, Central Board for Workers Education, Chennai, is a tripartite society and was established in
1958 by Ministry of Labour, Government of India to undertake workers education activities.  The headquarter of
the  Board is located at Nagpur, Maharashtra.
 
The main objectives of the Board are to conduct training programmes on topics which help to improve the quality
of work life and to develop a  positive  attitude among all sections of employees.
 
The Regional Directorate is carrying out its activities through professional and education officers and is equipped
with Library and training room facilities.  Monographs, periodicals etc. on Occupational Safety & Health are being
published by the Regional Directorate.
 
8.15 National Safety Council of India, Tamilnadu Chapter
 
The National Safety Council was set up on 4 March 1966 as a  non-profit making,  non-political voluntary
organization.  The main objective of the Council is to generate, develop and sustain a voluntary movement at the
national level to promote awareness of safety,  health and environment, so as to supplement and strengthen  the
government  efforts in the field.  The Management of the Council is vested in a tripartriate Board  of Governors
which has 51 Members .  The Chairman is appointed by the Govt. of India in consultation with Board.  The
Director General is Chief Executive and Secretary to the Board.
        
The activities of the Council include Conferences, Seminars, Training Programme, Risk Analysis, Safety Audit for
Hazardous Industries, Technical  Advice, Film Library,  National Safety Calendar, National Safety Day Campaign,
National Safety Publication of periodicals, Technical Literature and Liaison with Internal Safety Organisations.
 
8.16 Loss Prevention Association of India Ltd., Chennai
 
Loss Prevention Association of India Ltd., Chennai with its headquarters at Mumbai is a non-profit and Non-
Government organization.  The Association was established in 1978 with an aim to promote safety and loss
control through education training and consultancy.  The main broad objectives of the association are :
 
§         To publicize cause and magnitude of losses and create an awareness of the need for loss prevention.
§         To provide education, training, consultancy and advisory services.
§         To build and maintain a data bank on loss prevention.
 
The Association works in the areas of Chemical Safety, Fire protection, Training & education, Work place
inspection & Fire investigation. The Association regularly brings out publications on various aspect of safety
covering fire prevention, material handling and road safety. 
 
8.17             Safety Engineers’ Association (India), Chennai
 
The Safety Engineers’ Association (India) was established in June 2001 as a  registered Society under the
Society’s Act 1975.   The administration of the Society lies with an Executive Committee comprising 9 Members. 
The principle objectives of the Association  include:
 
§         To serve as a vital link between safety engineers at national level
§         To share knowledge and experience to protect lives, property and environment
§         To interact with the other organizations for overall improvement of safety, health and environment
§         To provide advice/guidance/help to industries and safety professionals on safety health and related matters
§         To assist statutory bodies to enact safety Regulations, Standards, requirements, etc.
 
8.18             Confederation of Indian Industry
 
Confederation of Indian Industry, Southern region  was set up by the Confederation of Indian Industry to advice
the industries on various industry related issues.  The association has State level Council with various sectoral
panels.
 
The main aim of Confederation of Indian Industry is to advice the industry on all key relevant issues including
occupational safety and health.  The association is competent in the areas of technical guidance and training &
education.  The association has in-house faculty for conducting training programmes and workshop. The contact
person is the Director.
 
 8.19            National Productivity Council, Chennai:
 
The National Productivity Council of India is an autonomous, multi-partite Organisation established as a
registered society in 1958.    It has been catalyzing productivity movement and providing productivity
improvement services in all spheres of economic activity.
 
The aims of the council are to increase productivity by adopting productivity technique and by preventing
occupational accident and diseases by providing Industrial Engineering Services such as work study, method
study, job evaluation etc., and by training programmes and workshops.  The council is competent with chemical
safety, machine safety, fire protection, workplace inspection and training & education.  In relation to occupational
safety and health activities the council provide technical guidance and training & education.   These activities are
carried out by the professional and technical consultants supported by the administrative staff.
 
The council is equipped with the library having well collection of reference publications in the field of industrial
safety & health and reading room, training room and a conference hall.  The council has also produced a number
of materials on the above field.  The organisation is headed by a Director.
                                                                                                   
8.20 Madras Management Association:
 
The Madras Management Association is affiliated to the All India Management Association, New Delhi. The
objectives of the association are management development  and training & education in the areas related to
industrial relations, safety, health, environment, etc. The association address the economic sectors of
manufacturing, transport, construction, electricity, gas & water, financing, insurance, real estate and business
services, social and personal services.  The association is competent with the training & education and
information.  It has library facilities and publish a quarterly journal.  The contact person is the Executive Director.