Factory Accidents: A Pointer to Rusty Inspection Reform (GS Paper 2, Society)
Context
- India has witnessed recurring industrial accidents due to inadequate safety measures, poor inspection rates, and regulatory failures.
- This article discusses the urgent need for reforms to strengthen industrial safety governance and ensure accountability.
Background of Industrial Accidents
- A recent explosion in a chemical factory in Dombivli MIDC resulted in fatalities and injuries, highlighting persistent safety lapses.
- Similar incidents in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023 indicate enduring risks within the industrial sector.
Inadequate Relocation Efforts
- In 2022, a decision was made to relocate 156 chemical factories from Dombivli MIDC to Patalganga, but no action has been taken, exacerbating safety risks.
- The unregistered status of the factory’s boiler underscores significant regulatory failures and non-compliance with safety standards.
Poor Inspection Rates and Shortages
Maharashtra's 2021 inspection rates revealed critical deficiencies:
- Only 23.89% of hazardous factories and 8.04% of registered factories were inspected.
- A shortage of personnel was evident, with only 39.34% of sanctioned officers appointed, leading to workload issues and reduced oversight.
Prosecution and Deterrence Failures
- Low prosecution rates in Maharashtra (13.84%), Gujarat (6.95%), and Tamil Nadu (14.45%) indicate ineffective enforcement and diminished deterrent effects.
- Critics, including industry representatives, denounce the inspection system as “inspector-raj,” alleging harassment and corruption, impacting its credibility.
Reforms and Challenges in the Inspection System
- Reforms like self-certification and third-party inspections have been criticized for violating International Labour Organization (ILO) standards.
- The ILO Labour Inspection Convention (081) stresses the need for qualified, independent inspectors with unrestricted access to ensure compliance with labour laws.
Need for Strengthened Governance and Accountability
- Robust reforms are needed to enhance the inspection system’s efficiency and ethical standards.
- Governments must prioritize safety over deregulation and ensure comprehensive oversight to prevent industrial disasters.
Enforcement and Accountability
Proposals include:
- Penalties for state failures in industrial governance, emphasizing accountability beyond compensatory measures.
- Addressing the recurring nature of industrial disasters highlights systemic shortcomings and the urgency for meaningful regulatory reforms.
Key Recommendations
- Immediate Action on Relocation: Expedite the relocation of hazardous factories to safer zones and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Increase Inspection Frequency and Coverage: Enhance the number and frequency of inspections, particularly for hazardous industries.
- Address Personnel Shortages: Fill sanctioned officer positions to ensure adequate oversight and reduce inspector workloads.
- Strengthen Enforcement Mechanisms: Increase prosecution rates and enforce stricter penalties for safety violations.
- Adopt International Standards: Align inspection practices with ILO standards to ensure comprehensive and independent oversight.
- Enhance Transparency and Accountability: Implement measures to reduce corruption and harassment within the inspection system, ensuring credible and transparent governance.
Conclusion
- Ensuring a safe working environment requires proactive governance and adherence to international standards rather than lenient regulatory practices.
- Sustainable reforms must prioritize safety, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and empower qualified inspectors to uphold labour laws effectively.
