From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Safety Law and Guidelines; Importance of Safety Audits;
Why in the News?
On August 21, 2024, a deadly explosion at the Escientia plant in Atchutapuram SEZ killed 17 workers and injured over 50, triggered by a solvent leak involving MTBE. The incident, part of a troubling safety trend, has prompted a government inquiry and calls for stricter safety regulations, particularly due to the exemption from regular inspections for SEZ units.
- Previous Incidents: This accident is part of a troubling pattern, as it follows another major explosion in the same SEZ last year, and recalls a deadly styrene vapour leak incident in 2020 that killed 12 people.
- Government Response: The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed condolences and promised support for the victims’ families.
Importance of Safety Audits
- Preventing Future Accidents: Regular safety audits can help identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations, reducing the risk of catastrophic incidents.
- Accountability: Audits enforce accountability among management to adhere to safety standards, promoting a culture of safety within organizations.
- Regulatory Compliance: Conducting safety audits helps organizations ensure compliance with local, state, and national safety regulations.
- Public Trust: Enhancing safety measures and transparency can restore public confidence in industrial operations, particularly in regions prone to industrial accidents.
Safety Law and Guidelines:
- Factories Act, 1948: Governs worker safety in factories, mandating safety audits and safety officer appointments. Requires safety committees with management and employee reps to address hazards.
- IS 14489:1998: Provides guidelines for occupational safety and health audits, focusing on compliance, deviations, and safety management effectiveness across sectors.
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: Consolidates labor laws, mandates regular safety audits for hazardous processes, and grants inspectors authority to enforce compliance.
- CIMAH Rules: Require industries with hazardous processes to prepare safety reports and conduct regular audits to prevent major accidents, enforced by state safety authorities.
- Integrated Guidance Framework for Chemicals Safety: Offers guidance for safety audits in handling hazardous chemicals, emphasizing compliance with MSIHC Rules and robust audit practices.
Note:IS 14489:1998 is an Indian Standard titled “Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health Audit.” It provides comprehensive guidelines for conducting occupational safety and health audits in various workplaces. |
Way forward:
- Implement Regular Safety Audits: Enforce routine safety audits for all industrial units, including SEZs, to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards, thus preventing future incidents and promoting a culture of safety.
- Strengthen Regulatory Oversight: Close regulatory gaps by applying safety standards uniformly across all sectors, including exempted units, and enhance transparency and accountability in safety practices to restore public trust.
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