7 August :The Government has formally ratified ILO Convention No.174 concerning Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents on 6th June, 2008. The Convention will come into force for India on 6th June, 2009.
The purpose of the Convention is the prevention of major accidents in factories and industrial establishments involving hazardous substances and limiting the consequences of such accidents. It required the employers to set up and maintain a documented system of major hazard control including emergency plans and safety procedures. The Convention besides providing for responsibility of employers and rights and duties of workers also envisages that the provisions of the Convention should be implemented in consultation with the Workers’ and Employers’ Organizations.
The year 2008 is the Year of Industrial Safety and Health and ratification of the Convention reinforces India’s commitment to achieving high occupational health and safety standards to protect the interest of its workers.