Home Case Index All Cases Indian Laws Indian Laws + SC Indian Laws - 2014 (1) TMI SC This
Forgot password New User/ Regiser ⇒ Register to get Live Demo
2014 (1) TMI 1933 - SUPREME COURTFraming of guidelines with respect to occupational safety and health Regulations to be maintained by various industries - directing Respondents to appoint and constitute a committee for the monitoring of the working of thermal power plants in India and to keep check on the health and safety norms for the workers working in their power stations - directing the Respondents to pay compensation to the workers who are victims of occupational health disorders and to frame a scheme of compensation for workers in cases of occupational health disorders - directing the Respondents to notify the recommendations as contained in paragraph 35 of the Petition as guidelines to be followed by thermal power plant. HELD THAT:- The NIOH Report specifically refers to the occupational health and safety issues of workers in CFTPPs. The Report also refers to the hazards associated with (a) dust, (b) heat, (c) noise, (d) vibration, (e) radiation, and (f) disposal of waste. After dealing with those health hazards, the Committee has stated that the hazards associated with inhalation of coal dust might result in development of dust related morbidity in the form of pneumoconiosis (coal workers pneumoconiosis, silicosis) and non-pneumoconiosis persistent respiratory morbidities, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, etc. CFTPPs are spread over various States in the country like Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and so on, and it would not be practicable for this Court to examine whether CFTPPs are complying with safety standards and the rules and Regulations relating to the health of the employees working in various CFTPPs throughout the country - these aspects could be better examined by the respective High Courts in whose jurisdiction these power plants are situated. The High Court should examine whether there is adequate and effective health delivery system in place and whether there is any evaluation of occupational health status of the workers. The High Court should also examine whether any effective medical treatment is meted out to them. It is felt appropriate to relegate it to the various High Courts to examine these issues with the assistance of the State Governments after calling for necessary Reports from the CFTPPs situated in their respective States - Report of National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) titled Environment, Health and Safety Issues in Coal Fired Thermal Power Plants of the year 2011 may also be made available by the Secretary General of the Supreme Court to the Registrar Generals of the High Courts of the mentioned States. Petition disposed off.
|