Telangana Tunnel Collapse – INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

Telangana Tunnel Collapse – INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

NEWS: The current state of industrial safety in India remains a critical concern, with a high frequency of industrial accidents occurring daily across various sectors. A tragic incident that highlights this issue was the recent accident at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana, where eight workers were trapped.

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Current State of Industrial Safety in India: An In-Depth Analysis

Dire State of Industrial Safety in India

  • India’s industrial safety standards are currently in a critical state, with a high frequency of workplace accidents leading to fatalities and serious injuries.
  • As of December 2025, official reports indicate that over 400 workers have lost their lives in workplace accidents, while more than 850 workers have sustained severe injuries.
  • The chemical, pharmaceutical, mining, and energy sectors have recorded the highest number of incidents, reflecting serious lapses in safety measures and oversight mechanisms.
  • In particular, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries have seen multiple large-scale explosions and fires, which have resulted in substantial casualties and long-term environmental damage.

 

Root Causes of Industrial Accidents

A deeper analysis of these accidents reveals that several systemic failures have contributed to the increasing number of workplace disasters:

a) Lack of Effective Workplace Oversight

  • Many industrial units, especially in the small-scale and informal sectors, operate with little to no regulatory supervision.
  • There is a deficiency in proactive safety monitoring, which results in hazardous working conditions going unnoticed until a disaster occurs.

b) Poor Implementation of Safety Precautions

  • In several industries, safety procedures are either not followed properly or entirely ignored due to cost-cutting measures.
  • Protective equipment such as helmets, fire-resistant gear, and respiratory masks are often not provided to workers, exposing them to high risks of injury or fatality in hazardous environments.

c) Insufficient Training for Workers

  • Many industrial workers, especially those in small factories and informal sectors, are not adequately trained in handling heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and emergency situations.
  • The lack of training makes them more susceptible to workplace accidents, as they may not be aware of necessary safety protocols or risk mitigation strategies.

d) Widespread Use of Untrained and Precarious Labor

  • A significant portion of the industrial workforce consists of contract workers, daily wage laborers, and untrained employees, who often receive minimal or no formal safety training.
  • These workers are hired under precarious conditions, making them more vulnerable to exploitation and less likely to report safety violations for fear of losing their jobs.

e) Relaxation of Safety Regulations by the Government

  • In recent years, there has been a gradual weakening of safety regulations, with the government introducing policies that allow companies to self-certify their compliance with safety norms.
  • Additionally, the frequency of unannounced safety inspections has been significantly reduced, giving industries greater freedom to operate without stringent safety oversight.
  • Many experts and labor unions have criticized these policy changes, arguing that they have diminished accountability and failed to protect workers’ rights and safety.

 

Key Challenges Affecting Industrial Safety

Despite existing safety guidelines, several challenges continue to obstruct effective implementation and enforcement:

a) Weak Enforcement and Implementation of Regulations

  • Industrial safety regulations are often not strictly enforced, particularly in the small-scale manufacturing sector and informal labor-intensive industries.
  • Corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, and a lack of trained inspectors hinder proper safety inspections and enforcement of existing laws.

b) Lack of Awareness and Training Among Workers

  • A large percentage of industrial workers, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, lack awareness of workplace safety norms, their rights, and emergency response measures.
  • Many industries fail to conduct regular safety drills or provide ongoing training programs, leaving workers unprepared for handling workplace hazards.

c) Delayed Compensation and Lack of Financial Support

  • In cases of industrial accidents, victims and their families often face prolonged legal battles to receive compensation.
  • Many workers, particularly those in the unorganized sector, are not covered under adequate insurance schemes, leaving them financially vulnerable in the event of an accident.
  • Compensation claims are often delayed for months or even years, forcing families of deceased or injured workers into severe financial distress.

d) Inadequate Safety Infrastructure in Industrial Units

  • Many industrial facilities, especially in rural or remote areas, lack basic safety infrastructure, such as:

·         Emergency exits and fire extinguishing systems

·         Proper ventilation for handling toxic chemicals

·         Adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers

  • The absence of disaster preparedness drills and emergency response mechanisms further exacerbates the risks faced by workers.

 

Required Measures to Improve Industrial Safety

To mitigate industrial hazards and prevent further loss of life, the following measures must be implemented:

a) Strengthening the Enforcement of Safety Standards

  • The government must prioritize the strict implementation of industrial safety regulations, ensuring that factories and workplaces adhere to mandatory safety norms.
  • Regular and unannounced safety inspections should be conducted, and severe penalties should be imposed on industries that violate safety protocols.
  • The adoption of advanced safety technologies, such as automated risk detection systems and real-time monitoring of hazardous environments, should be encouraged to minimize human error.

b) Improving Worker Training and Safety Awareness

  • Employers, industry associations, and the government must collaborate to establish comprehensive safety training programs for workers across industries.
  • Workers should be educated on the use of safety equipment, risk assessment techniques, and emergency response procedures through regular workshops and simulation drills.
  • Training programs should be made mandatory, especially for industries dealing with hazardous chemicals, mining, and heavy machinery.

c) Enforcing Labor Rights and Expanding Welfare Programs

  • Labor laws should be strengthened to provide workers with better protection, insurance coverage, and compensation in case of workplace accidents.
  • Employers should be required to provide workers with health insurance and accident coverage, ensuring that injured workers receive timely medical attention and financial support.
  • A dedicated helpline or legal assistance program should be introduced to help workers file complaints and seek justice in cases of industrial negligence.

d) Establishing a National Industrial Safety Authority

  • A centralized regulatory body focusing exclusively on industrial safety should be created to conduct independent audits, enforce safety regulations, and monitor compliance.
  • This body should work in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to develop industry-specific safety frameworks and emergency preparedness plans.
  • The authority should also maintain a public database of industrial accidents, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.

e) Promoting Safer Working Conditions Through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

  • Industries should be encouraged to adopt Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that focus on improving worker safety and welfare.
  • The government can incentivize companies through tax benefits or public recognition to invest in better safety infrastructure, worker training programs, and health insurance schemes.

 

Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Systemic Reforms

  • The alarming rise in industrial accidents across India underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in workplace safety regulations.
  • The government, industries, labor unions, and civil society must collectively work to implement stricter safety standards, ensure proper enforcement, and prioritize worker welfare.
  • Without immediate and decisive action, the continued relaxation of safety regulations and lack of oversight will lead to more fatalities, economic losses, and deteriorating working conditions for millions of laborers across the country.

 

Related Constitutional Provisions

The Constitution of India provides a structured framework for the protection of workers' rights, ensuring safe working conditions and protection from exploitation. Under the Constitution, Labour is classified as a subject in the Concurrent List, meaning both the Central Government and State Governments have the authority to legislate on matters related to labor welfare, industrial safety, and occupational health.

  1. Article 39(e) & Article 39(f) – Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):
    • These provisions mandate that the State must ensure that children, young persons, and workers are not engaged in occupations or working conditions that are hazardous to their health or well-being.
    • The State is also required to protect workers from exploitation and ensure their physical and moral development.
  2. Article 41 – Right to Work & Just Working Conditions:
    • This article directs the State to make provisions for securing just and humane working conditions, along with protection against unemployment, old age, sickness, and disability.
    • It ensures that workers have a right to a dignified livelihood under fair and safe conditions.

Key Legislative Measures for Industrial Safety

  1. Factories Act, 1948:
    • The Factories Act, 1948 is a landmark legislation that lays down safety standards, hazardous work guidelines, and employer responsibilities to ensure the well-being of workers in factories.
    • It mandates precautionary measures for handling dangerous machinery, fire prevention systems, ventilation, waste disposal, and medical facilities in industrial establishments.
  2. Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948:
    • This Act provides social security and health insurance benefits to employees working in factories and certain establishments.
    • It covers medical care, compensation for workplace injuries, maternity benefits, disability allowances, and pensions for dependents of deceased workers.
  3. Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020:
    • This code consolidates and rationalizes various labor laws related to industrial safety and workplace health.
    • It applies to all establishments with 10 or more workers, as well as mines and docks, ensuring a uniform framework for industrial safety.
    • Key provisions include:
      • Employer's responsibility to provide a safe working environment.
      • Compulsory medical examinations and periodic health checks for workers in hazardous industries.
      • Strict penalties for violations of safety norms.

 

Disaster Management Framework for Industrial Safety

  1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
    • NDMA is the apex body responsible for formulating policies, plans, and guidelines to manage disasters, including industrial accidents.
    • It coordinates with various government agencies and industries to ensure disaster preparedness and effective response to emergencies.
  2. State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF):
    • SDRF units operate at the state level, focusing on quick response mechanisms for industrial accidents.
    • They work in collaboration with the police, fire departments, and labor departments to control industrial fires, chemical leaks, and other hazardous situations.
  3. Industrial Disaster Management Plans (IDMPs):
    • Industrial units, particularly those handling hazardous materials, are required to formulate IDMPs to prepare for potential disasters.
    • These plans outline emergency protocols, evacuation strategies, worker safety drills, and coordination with local disaster management authorities.
  4. Labor Departments & Workplace Inspections:
    • State Labor Departments are tasked with conducting inspections and ensuring compliance with workplace safety regulations.
    • Regular inspections help identify violations, unsafe working conditions, and lapses in safety protocols, enabling authorities to take corrective action before accidents occur.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/telangana-tunnel-collapse-excessive-water-and-mud-seepage-low-visibility-making-rescue-op-dangerous-what-experts-say-11740450980810.html