According to the recent estimates released by the International Labour Organization (ILO), 2.78 million workers die every year from occupational accidents and work-related diseases, and 313 million workers suffer from non-fatal occupational accidents and diseases. It means that 7,500 people die every day due to unsafe and unhealthy working conditions.
In India, available government statistics show a decreasing trend in occupational injuries in manufacturing and mining sectors. However, caution is needed when interpreting the statistics as unregistered factories and mines are not covered. During 2011-16, the number of cases of occupational diseases reported to the government in India was only 562. In contrast, a scientific article published in the National Medical Journal of India, 2016, indicates prevalence of occupational diseases such as silicosis and byssinosis.
Even in countries with the most well-established data collection systems, underreporting, particularly of non-fatal occupational accidents and especially work-related diseases, is common. It is critical that India establishes efficient Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) data collection systems to better understand the situation for effective interventions.
Source: Hindustan Times
