Seminar held on Industrial Sector Safety in Leh

Leh, March 10: In the wake of National Safety Day/Week from 4^th to 10^th March 2023, a seminar on Industrial Sector Safety was organised by the Department of Labour and Employment, UT Ladakh at the DC Conference Hall today on the concluding day.

The seminar was organised with the aim to create awareness about safety in the industrial establishments and to emphasize the importance of implementing safety measures in workplaces to prevent accidents and injuries. The event focused on different aspects of safety, including fire safety, electrical safety, chemical safety, and occupational health and safety.

Secretary, Labour and Employment, UT Ladakh, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan spoke about the need for creating a safety culture in the industrial establishments and at work-sites. He emphasized that safety should be a top priority for all industries and that it is the responsibility of both employers and employees to ensure a safe working environment. To prevent accidents and undue expenditure, he urged all the stakeholders to get NOCs from the concerned Departments and to follow the norms/relevant laws so that labour and workers do not face problems.

The Secretary informed that UT Ladakh will ensure implementation of all relevant laws and the concerned Assistant Labour Commissioners along-with the District Industries department would conduct inspections/ checking of the industrial establishments functional in the Union territory.

Speaking at the event, Dhawan Kumar Rawat, Divisional Forest Officer, Leh, UT Ladakh said that industries play an important role in our economy, we must also be mindful of their impact on the environment and the safety of the workers. He spoke on Environmental Safety segments including occupational safety and health Programs, Environmental Control and Chemical Safety. Further, requested all the stakeholders to read the rules and regulations related to the environment.

Dr. Tsering Wangchuk, Orthopaedic Surgeon, SNM, Hospital, Leh gave a presentation on workplace safety, accident causation, and first aid and treatment. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize safety in the industrial sector. Further, he added that they should also take responsibility for their own safety by following safety protocols and using the appropriate safety equipment. He said that the most common workplace injuries involve hand (thumb, index finger), toe, foot, leg, and injuries related to hearing.

Functional Manager, DIC, Leh, Abhishek Chandra Vaidya discussed the best practices for preventing fire accidents in the workplace and the importance of handling hazardous machines with care. He added that CCTV cameras should be installed at all the industrial units to prevent untoward happening.

He emphasised on following the dress codes and proper safety gear including specialised glasses, hearing protection, safety gloves, Face shield, safety helmets and safety shoes.

Further, he informed that Primary Dispensary would be established in collaboration with the Health Department at the Industrial establishments. To prevent any untoward happening, he urged the stakeholders to display the contact numbers of Fire Services, Police and Hospital.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Delex Namgyal, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Leh. He thanked all the participants for their valuable contributions and reiterated the need for continued efforts to promote safety in the industrial sector.

Also, the Department of Labour and Employment organised industrial safety awareness at Industrial Estate Phyang, Hindustan Petroleum Ltd. premises and Indian Oil Bottling Plant situated at Phyang. Besides, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Leh administered a safety pledge to the unit holders of the Industrial Estate, Leh in conference hall of the Industries Department, Leh.

Besides, the seminar was attended by EPFO, Leh, Pawan Kumar; President, Chamber of Industries, Leh, Rinchen Namgyal; officials from DIC, Leh, and Labour and Employment and representatives from various Industries.