Occupational Health & Safety
Joint International Labor organisation and World Health Organisation Committee’s definition of occupational health

"Occupational health should aim at: the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations; the prevention amongst workers of departures from health caused by their working conditions; the protection of workers in their employment from risks resulting from factors adverse to health; the placing and maintenance of the worker in an occupational environment adapted to his physiological and psychological capabilities; and, to summarize: the adaptation of work to man and of each man to his job."

Note: This definition has been adopted by the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) and features in the 2002 update of the International Code of Ethics for Occupational Health Professionals. 

Key principles of Occupational Health and Safety
  • A national system for occupational safety and health must be established.
  • A national programme on occupational safety and health must be formulated. 
  • Social partners (that is, employers and workers) and other stakeholders must be consulted. 
  • Occupational safety and health programmes and policies must aim at both prevention and protection. 
  • Continuous improvement of occupational safety and health must be promoted.
  • Information is vital for the development and implementation of effective programmes and policies. 
  • Health promotion is a central element of occupational health practice.
  • Occupational health services covering all workers should be established.
  • Compensation, rehabilitation and curative services must be made available to workers who suffer occupational injuries, accidents and work related diseases. 
  • Education and training are vital components of safe, healthy working environments.
  • Workers, employers and competent authorities have certain responsibilities, duties and obligations. 
  • Policies must be enforced. 
(Taken from Alli, B. (2008) Fundamental principles of occupational health and safety, ILO, Geneva)
Occupational Safety and Health in India

​The Government of India has enacted statutes relating to Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) at workplaces namely
  • The Mines Act, 1952
  • The Factories Act, 1948
  • Dock Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare) Act, 1986
  • The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996
  • The Dangerous Machines (Regulation) Act, 1983
  • The Insecticides Act, 1968  
  • The Shops and Establishments Act of State Governments
  • The Beedi and Cigar Workers’ (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966;
  • The Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000 notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
  • The Manufacture, Storage & Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989 
  • The Electricity Act, 2003 

At present, comprehensive safety and health statutes for regulating OSH at work places exist only in respect of the four sectors namely, mining, factories, ports, and construction. Occupational Safety and Health is one of the subjects allotted to Ministry of Labour & Employment under the Government of India Allocation of Business Rules. The Ministry of Labour &Employment, Govt. of India & Labour Departments of the States and Union Territories are responsible for the safety & health of the workers.

 (Taken from Planning Commission Working group report 2012-17)