Comprehensive OSH framework for unorganised labourers still in the works

Over the past five years, multiple stakeholder meetings have been held to address the occupational safety and health (OSH) concerns of workers in Tamil Nadu's unorganised sector. Despite these consultations and a plan for a dedicated OSH framework, a comprehensive policy or guidelines remains pending. A dedicated wing for screening, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation of unorganised sector workers was established nearly a decade ago.

This wing was later transformed into the State Nodal Centre for Occupational Health and Safety of Unorganised Workers (SNC-OSH). Health officials have emphasized the need for the inclusion of basic occupational health services and universal health coverage in line with World Health Organisation/International Labour Organisation standards.

They have also suggested mandatory health screening on job entry and regular check-ups for all unorganised labourers. Maintaining a log book/health profile for all workers, including inter-State migrants, was recommended to track long-term illnesses. All departments were urged to provide inputs for outlining OSH guidelines for unorganised sector labourers, and industrial and economic units were to maintain log books and ensure mandatory health screening/check-ups for workers.

Integrating OSH components into all National Health Mission programmes and notifying 107 diseases/hazards under OSH for unorganised workers were also deemed crucial. Sensitisation of workers on non-communicable disease management and conducting medical camps for NCD screening were additional points of discussion. Suggestions for a slightly independent OSH cell with a broader perspective and a larger scope were also raised to address emerging problems in new industries.