P-539 Occupational Health in India

Abstract Introduction India, with 1.4 billion people is a land of challenges and opportunities in Occupational health. It contributes 17.5% of the global population and a staggering 25% of the global working population. • Occupational health is an important aspect of public health, especially given the country’s large workforce and diverse industries. Methods The factories act was introduced in India in 1948, as amended by the factories(Amendment) ACT, 1987(Act 20 of 1987), served to assist in formulating national policies in India with respect to occupational safety and health in factories and docks, to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of workers. • As per act, the Department of Factories, Boilers, Industrial Safety & Health, is responsible for enforcing occupational safety and health standards in all factories, mines, and docks. Results Despite these efforts, occupational health remains a challenge in India, In the unorganized sector, which accounts for a large portion of the country’s workforce. Unsafe working conditions, exposure to hazardous materials, and lack of access to basic health services are just a few of the issues that workers in the unorganized sector face. Conclusion Challenges in India 1. Substantial Labor Force in the unorganized sector 2. Insufficient execution of current legislation. 3 Significant amount of occupational illnesses that are unreported 4. A scarcity of proficient and skilled occupational health professionals 5. Multiplicity of statutory controls 6. Lack of interest or concern from stakeholders 7. Outsourcing physicians has diminished the significance of OH 8. Lack of Infrastructure 9. Delay in implementation of national policy on OH.