PREAMBLE

1.1 The Constitution of India provide  detailed provisions for the rights of the citizens and also lays down the Directive Principles of State Policy which set an aim to which the activities of the state are to be guided.  

1.2 These Directive Principles provide 

a) for securing the health and strength of employees, men and women;

b) that the tender age of children are not abused;

c) that citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their age or strength;

d) just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief are provided; and

e) that the Government shall take steps, by suitable legislation or in any other way, to secure the participation of employee in the management of undertakings, establishments or other organisations engaged in any industry.

1.3 On the basis of these Directive Principles as well as  international instruments, Government is committed to regulate all economic activities for management of safety and health risks at workplaces and to provide measures  so as to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for every working man and woman in the nation. Government recognizes that safety and health of workers has a positive impact on productivity and economic and social development. Prevention is an integral part of economic activities as high safety and health standard at work is as important as good business performance for new as well as existing industries. 

1.4 The formulation of policy, priorities and strategies in occupational safety, health and environment at work places, is undertaken by national authorities in consultation with social partners for  fulfilling such objectives. A critical role is played by the Government and the social partners, professional safety and health organizations in ensuring prevention and in also providing treatment, support and rehabilitation services. 

1.5 Government of India firmly believes that without safe, clean environment as well as healthy working conditions, social justice and economic growth cannot be achieved and that safe and healthy working environment is recognized as a fundamental human right. Education, training, consultation and exchange of information and good practices are essential for prevention and promotion of such measures.

1.6 The changing job patterns  and working relationships, the rise in self employment, greater sub-contracting, outsourcing of work, homework and the increasing number of employees working away from their establishment, pose problems to management of occupational safety and health risks at workplaces. New safety hazards and health risks will be appearing along with the transfer and adoption of new technologies. In addition, many of the well known conventional hazards will continue to be present at the workplace till the risks arising from exposure to these hazards are brought under adequate control. While advancements in technology have minimized or eliminated some hazards at workplace, new risks can emerge in their place which needs to be addressed.

1.7 Particular attention needs to be  paid to the hazardous operations and of employees in risk prone conditions such as migrant employees and various vulnerable groups of employees arising out of  greater mobility in the workforce with more people working for a number of employers, either consecutively or simultaneously.

1.8 The increasing use of chemicals, exposure to physical, chemical and biological agents with hazard potential unknown to people; the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals including pesticides, agricultural machineries and equipment; industries with major accident risks; effects of computer controlled technologies and alarming influence of stress at work in many modern jobs  pose serious safety, health and environmental risks.

1.9 The fundamental purpose of this National Policy on Safety,  Health and Environment at workplace, is not only to eliminate the incidence of work related injuries, diseases, fatalities, disaster and loss of national assets and ensuring achievement of a high level of occupational safety, health and environment performance through proactive approaches   but also to enhance the well-being of the employee and  society,  at large. The necessary changes in this area will be  based on a co-ordinated national effort focused on clear national goals and objectives.

1.10 Every Ministry or Department may work out their detailed policy relevant to their working environment as per the guidelines on the National Policy.

2. GOALS:

The  Government firmly believes that building and maintaining national preventive safety and health culture is the need of the hour.  With a view to develop such a culture and to improve the safety, health and environment at work place, it is essential to meet the following requirements:-

2.1 providing a statutory framework on Occupational  Safety and  Health in respect of all sectors of industrial activities including the construction sector,designing suitable control systems of compliance, enforcement and incentives for better compliance.

2.2  providing administrative and technical support services.

2.3. providing a system of incentives to employers and employees to achieve higher health and safety standards .

2.4  providing for a system of non-financial incentives for improvement in safety and health.

2.5. establishing and developing the research and development capability in emerging areas of risk and  providing for effective control measures.

2.6. Focusing on prevention strategies and monitoring performance through improved data collection system on work related injuries and diseases. 

2.7 Developing and providing required technical manpower and knowledge in the areas of safety, health and environment at workplaces in different sectors.

2.8 Promoting inclusion of safety, health and environment, improvement at workplaces as an important  component in other  relevant  national policy documents.

2.9     Including safety and occupational health as an integral part of  every operation.