HEALTH CULTURE AT WORKPLACE: INDIA’S STAND

Abstract

India, one of the fastest developing countries in the world, according to the 2001 census is a home to approximately 40 million factory workers which makes it important to acknowledge their occupational health. Basic Occupational Health Service was first introduced by the WHO (World Health Organisation) with a motive to protect the health of people at work, promote their well-being and prevent ill health as well as accidents. Basic Occupational Health Services revolve around certain principles which include the availability of services to all working people, services to address local needs and adapt local conditions. Developing countries like India because of rapid industrialization are going through a paramount shift in occupational health. Occupational health needs to be prioritized in such countries because it helps in boosting productivity as well as promote the safety of workers. This paper is an attempt to analyse the situation of universal health coverage in India with respect to labour. This paper will be dealing with the positioning of legislations and the policies regarding labour health, and exploring the aspirations of the government. 2019 will be a remarkable year for the labour world as International Labour Organisation is celebrating its 100th anniversary. ILO has an agenda of providing organization of services for all working people across the world. In order to achieve this goal, ILO has launched a Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health and ILO convention No. 187 on Promotional Framework. Every worker is entitled to the basic right of a safe work environment; currently, India is also taking various steps to acknowledge this fundamental right. Prior to 2019, the various governments in India did not find it essential to ratify a few major conventions of the International Labour Organisation which included occupational safety and health convention, 1981. This study will be analysing various laws related to the labour and the policies of the International Labour Organisation against The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions code, 2019.