OBJECTIVES

: To find reasons of Silicosis among mine workers in Rajasthan (India)

To propose a policy framework to prevent silicosis

METHODS

: A survey and literature review based reaserch. About 392 workers were surveyed to find reasons to seek job in mining industry, their initial health problems, time taken to approach hospital and diagnosis of disease, medical aid received, problems faced in getting compensation, suggestions for prevention of disease and better treatment of the patients.

RESULTS

: As per government medical board reports 5,307 workers were identified suffering from silicosis during 2013-16 in Rajasthan and 248 people died between 2013 and 2016. The actual number of affected people is assumed to be higher since many of such workers are underprivileged whose illness is most of the times unnoticed and under-reported.

It was found that economic backwardness, dependence of agriculture on unpredictable rainfall, lack of education and skills force the people to take this hazardous occupation. To earn livelihood children start working in mines as soon as they attain their adolescence. As a result of which life expectancy of workers has dropped to 60 to 40 years

Most of the workers are recruited informally, without contracts hence the health and safety rules are also not properly implemented by mine owners.

Employees compensation Act, 1923 mandates compensation for afflicted workers. But silicosis confirmation certificates from the Pneumoconiosis Board often delays it.

Wet drilling and protective gear can prevent the disease which is ignored by mine owners.

CONCLUSIONS

The negligence to safeguard the health of their workers emerged as the major reason for the disease.

It is being suggested that the mine labourers should be included in the national and State lists of disabilities and given disability pension, besides the health insurance benefits under the Bhamashah Scheme which is a free medical treatment scheme of government of Rajasthan.