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STUDY OF MINES WORKERS IN TERM OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY:A CASE STUDY OF TRIBAL AREAS OF RAJASTHAN
Veena Dwivedi
Professor & Head, School of Social Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jaipur, India
Email: veenamrd@yahoo.com

How to cite this paper:
Dwivedi,Veena(2021)
Study of Mines Workers inTerm of Occupational Healthand Safety: A Case Study of
Tribal Areas of Rajasthan,
Journalof
GlobalResources, Vol. 07 (02)DOI:
10.46587/JGR.2021.v07i02.013

Received: 28 March 2021
Reviewed: 25 April 2021
Revised: 17 May 2021
Final Accepted: 28 May 2021

Abstract: The study intends to find out the situation
analysis of implementation of the occupational healthproblem, proper use of safety measures and awarenessabout the own health and rights. This study helps to find out
reasons for not using the safety measure, not getting
benefits from employers according to the basic needs. After
this study an action plan was develop for further action.
Occupational health and welfare issues related to small
scale mines have been discussed and debated in various
forums. Different agencies concerned with the health andwelfare of workers have expressed their helplessness indoing anything significant due to complexities of issues
involved and multiplicity of State and Central government
agencies. Some of the important occupational health andwelfare issues are discovered by this study which will be
helpful to make action plan for this Ares women mines
workers.
Keywords: Mine Workers, Tribal, Occupational Health,
Safety Measures

Freely available Online
www.isdesr.org

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Introduction
A Mines safety or employee safety refer to the protection of workers from the charger ofindustrial accidents. An accident, then as an unplanned, unschooled event in which an action
or reaction of an offset, a substance. A person or a radiation results in personal in fury.
Experience shows that even if no additional legislative initiatives can be taken by theGovernment due to practical constraints, a Policy Declaration acts as a framework for
guidance and action and helps in promoting voluntary actions at different levels. In fact, theneed for a coherent policy on OSH was internationally recognized as early as in 1981 as
reflected in Article 2 of the ILO Convention.
ABOUT THE AREAS
Research Areas in Rajasthan
Block

Total Village

Gogunda152
Jhadol
285
Kotra
304
Kherwada
257
Sarada188
Salumber
250
Mavali152
Valabhnagar
289
Dhariyavad
251
Total
2406
Source: Rajasthan Govt. websites, 2011

Worst conditioned village up above 75 percent
28
0
164
126
123
32
20
202
6
860

Objectives of the Study
1. To review the existing set up for occupational health and safety in the workplace
2. To know the occupational health problems among the women workers and theirfamily members
3. To know about prevalence accident if any happened in work place.
4. To collect intimation about the safety measure which are used in mines?
5. To know attitude of management and women workers about the safety Measure.
6. To assess weaknesses of the existing set up and suggest ways to improve it;
7. To suggest ways to improve low cast occupational safety standards
Hypothesis• Most of the women are associated as part time worker in mines, so that they are notgetting any kind of health benefit as permanent workers.
• Most of the safety measures are not women friendly, so they are not using it for theirsafety.
• Women workers are not aware about the occupational health and use of safetymeasures, so they are not serious about their health.
• Most of the mine’s owners are also not serious and sensitized about the humanhealth issue, using safety measure only for show case
• Low-cost safety measures are not available neither workers nor mines owner are
giving the human health issues on priority level.
• Problems related to growing mobility of worker population sand occurrence of newoccupational diseases of various origins.

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Sampling of StudyFirst from Udaipur and Rajsambandh district two blocks named Badgav and Khamnore
panchayat samiti of the Girawa, Pipad, Kaloda, Bhuritalei,Tulamaruwas, Lapada & fromNathadawa, Acshibawadi, Unwas, Niracg Ghedachh & Semal village were selected by using
the lottery methods, than from each two block 5-5 villages were selected as per total
strength of worker in mines workers in the village .The researcher take the study both an theexecution and female worker for the universe of 179 employer were taken by using thecensus methods and the random sampling Methods . Focus group discussion was alsodone with respondent.
Tools and Data Collection
Both primary and secondary data were used for study. The major tool used to collect primarydata was interview schedule, focus group discussion, Research visited units discussed andinterviewed employer and also visited all the 10 villages and collected data with all thefemale labour family, household each village focus group discussion was held to verifying theexisting data’s & others village information. Secondary data were collection from book,internet, and internal source of organization. From the different department and universities
such as environment department, Sukhadia University, MSW collage, BN collage of Udaipuretc.
Research Steps
1. Data were collected by researcher with the support of Local NGOs, mates and MSW
college students
2. Schedule was tested & edited by researcher
3. Code looks filled along with data.
4. The data transferred to the master sheet with help of code book.
5. Tabulation and analysis were turned.
6. A comprehensive report of the research work was prepared.
Personal & Family Profile of The Mines Workers
Most of the more than half mines worker was from age group of 15-30 years. The entire
respondent was female & among them three fourth 83 percent was from schedule tribe’s
family. All were Hindu. Educations wise most of them 96 percent where literate rest of the 4
percent respondent were illiterate. 89 percent of the respondent was married, only 4 percent
were widow, regarding types of family 78 percent of the participants were living single family
and 22 percent of the respondent were from joint family. Three fourth 76 percent of the
respondent family income is below fifty thousand & 22 percent of them have a family income
fifty thousand to one lack.
Working Areas & Salary & Satisfaction Level
29- 30 percent of the respondent was working in Mantri & Guruprit mines, whenever 11
percent of the respondent were working in Vadlia mines unwas, rests of the 1 to 5 percent of
the respondent were working in mines nearby the Girawa And Rajsambandh Areas. Morethan half 66 percent respondent were in temporary job and 34 percent of the respondent
were on permanent job. Most of them 85 percent of the respondent were working for theirlivelihood & rest of the 3 percent of the working in mines for others purpose such as to takeexperience, for time pass, to support their relative or family members etc. More than half 58
percent of the mine’s workers were working since 1- 5 years, whenever 28 percent of themworking for 5-10 years and others 4 percent to 6 percent were working for long time i.e., 10
to 20 years and rest of the 3 percent were working in mines more than 20 years. Three fourth
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96 percent of the respondent were working in mines 6-8 Hrs, rest of the were working for
more than 8 hours, many times they giving extra duty
Same three fourth 79 percent of them were getting salary 50 rupees or less, others
21 percent getting more than 50 rupees as a salary., it was also found that 88 percent of themine’s workers were not getting any overtime salary, only few 12 percent were getting an
overtime salary. when they were talk about the different in salary among them 93 percent
said that there is no different in salary, whenever 6 percent said there is different in worker’ssalary & 94 percent of the mine’s workers were satisfied with present salary except few one.
Use of Safety Measures, Its TypeThree fourth 87 percent of the mine’s workers were not using any kind of safety measures
only 12 percent were using some safety measures those, who were using safety measuresamong them 82 percent were using Helmets and handlooms only 18 percent were using only
helmets. Regarding the full safety in mine less than three fourth 73 percent were not getting
any safety, but one third mines workers said that they were getting fully safety in mines,
among them 60 percent were getting Helmet, Globes, Sue Socked, Mask etc., 33 percent of
the mine workers were using the hankey, parade with own saree.
Table 01: Safety Tools Used During Work, Its Types#
1.

Question
What do you use safety tools
when you do work

Yes
No
RequireTotal
2.

If Yes, Whom

HelmetHelmet and Handloom

Total
3.

full Safety in mines

Yes
No
Regarded

Total

4.

If Yes, What kind

Total
Source: Field Survey

Helmet, Globes, Sue
Socks, Mask etc.
Others
No Women
Give Doctor Service

Frequency
22
155
2
179
4
18
22
46
131
2
179

Percentage
12.29
86.59
1.12
100.0018.18
81.82
100.00
25.70
73.18
1.12
100.00

25
14
1
2
42

59.52
33.33
2.38
4.76
100.00The Illness & Medical Facility & Treatment
Only few mines’ workers 5 percent were getting medical services by the doctor, women were
not getting any such services. More than half 60 percent mines worker become ill during theirworking periods, Small number of the mine’s worker were not aware about it. Those who
were ill among them 31- 40 percent of the mine’s workers feeling weaknesses & 19 percentof them having an asthma and rest of 4- 6 percent having a T.B. and Psilosis diseases, those
who were ill among them 80 percent were suffering since one to three years. Only 13 percent
were suffering from one or more diseases few of them 3-4 percent suffer with disease sincelong time (6- 9 yrs. and above). It was also concluded that 86 percent of the mine’s workers
were taking their treatment themselves, rest of the 14 percent were getting treatment byowners.

Journal of Global Resources, July 2021, Volume 07 (02) Veena Dwivedi

Page 128 | 9Less than half 49 percent of the mine’s workers were getting the medicines facility
whenever. 8 percent of them were not aware about it. More than half 55 percent mine worker
said that their mine having a primary medicine facility, 37 were denied it and very few 8
percent respondent have no knowledge & awareness about it. In brief It was also found thatfor last 5 years 34 percent of the mine’s workers were affected by Asthma, 14-16 percent of
the respondent were affected by Mouth ulcer & Other’s 16 percent were affected by others
disease such as (body pain, skin disease etc.) Few one 3-4 percent of them was affected by
Uterus related disease & T.B., but 30 percent of the mine’s workers have no any ideas in thisregard. When they were asked that any women having a long-time illness most of the threefourth 81 percent mines workers were not aware about it, only 5 percent of them were aware
about it. It was also concluded that More than half 56 percent of the mine’s workers weretaking home based treatment, 22 percent of them were taking treatment from P.H.C or any
big hospital equally.
Table 02: Experiences Get for Treatment of Diseases, Medicines Facilities, First Aids
Facilities, Trained Employers, Availability of Treatment Box#
1.

QuestionWho provides treatment expenses?

Owner
Self
Other

Total
2.

Availability of medicine benefit

Yes
No
Not Know

Total
3.

Availability of primary medicine
benefit available

Yes
No
Not KnowTotal
4.

trained employer in the mines

Yes
No
Not KnowTotal
5.

knowledge of treatment box rulesin the mine

Total
Source: Field Survey

YesNo
Not know

Frequency
12
74
0
86
87
79
13
179
99
66
14
179
28
64
87
179
28
65
86
179

Percentage
13.95
86.05
0.00
100.00
48.60
44.13
7.26
100.00
55.31
36.87
7.82
100.00
15.64
35.75
48.60
100.00
15.64
36.31
48.04
100.00Trained Medical Staff/ Diseases and about the Health & Others Welfare ProgrammeLess than half respondent doesn’t know about the trained staff, 36 percent of them said that
there is no any trained staff who were having a knowledge about the medicines and medical
kit use, few of them 16 percent mines female worker told they were getting a treatment bytrained staff. Most probably same quantity of the respondent was aware about the mine’s
treatment box rules. More than half 65 percent of the mine’s workers were not aware aboutthe Health Programme running in the mines. Those were aware about it among them most of
74 percent aware about the Drinking water facilities related proramme, 23 percent were
known about the medicine related facilities, very few were aware about the Security,compensation, Health Safety & Health Van etc. more than half 54 percent of the mine’sowners were providing Drinking water and 32 percent were getting the medicine related
facility. Others very few were getting security, gift, compensation etc.

Journal of Global Resources, July 2021, Volume 07 (02) Veena Dwivedi

Page 129 | 9The Accident/Treatment, Safety Zone
More than half 65 percent of the mine’s workers were not aware about the accident occurs inmines during the work. All were injured during their duty. Those who injured among them 60
got injury in foot after that 39 injured in hand, very few of them were got injury in head. 69
mines workers of them did treatment themselves its less than half 31percent of them were
provided treatment by the mines. 85 percent of them have not got any expenses fortreatment by the owner. Those who got expenses among them 67 percent mines workers got
less than 200 rupees, 22 percent of them were got more than 300 rupees rest of the half 11
percent of them got 200 to 300 rupees for their treatment. 98 percent mines workers got
road accident reason is a Road is difficult and overweight safety. Most of the 94 percent ofthem said that no any accident occurs within last three year. So, we can say that accidents
are common phenomena in the mines. These accidents mostly take places due to the lack ofproper training on job and the inadequate safety measures adopted by the workers.
Accident may include death, fractures, sickness etc. some of these eventualities can be
avoided by the use of safety objects such as Helmet, Globes, Sue Socked, Mask etc. thesethings are not provided to most of the workers
The Safety Measures Facility
Very few workers were aware about the ambulance facility in the mines. It was also foundthat 81-88 percent of the mine’s workers said that mines owner is not giving them helmet &Globs, only 6 -15 percent of them are getting the helmet & Globs, because they are working
in dangerous zone. Among them more than half 55 percent were not using theses safety
tools, only few 6 percent were using an any safety tools. The safety measures for theworkers both the men and women are comparatively insufficient and improper. Lack of
information and awareness among the lobours are the prime reason for this kind of
behaviors. Secondly the mine owners or the contractors make use of the ignorance of theworkers about the safety measures.
The Training ProgrammeMore than half 59 percent mines workers were not aware about the training programme, 39
percent of them said they were not provided any king of training during their work period by
the owner. those who few workers get training half of them were get it by their supervisor ortrainer working in mine.
Safety Facilities & Its Impact
As per most of the 80 percent of the mines workers there is no any insurance facility
available in the mines. Less than half 24 percent of mines worker were about the emergency
alarm, whenever 44 percent of them said that there is no any emergency alarm availability inthe mines. Regarding the labour break rules in mines only 36 percent of the mine’s workers
know about it. Most of the 95 percent mines workers were don’t know the impact of safety
tools, only 4 percent of them said if they are using any safety tools it’s increasing the mines
product. Most of the 93 percent of them said that safety tools preventing the accident.
Though the mines run some kind of health programme and its benefits they are inadequate.
The programmes benefit only a few. Majority of the labours agree that there were accidents
during the last three years and the reasons for the accidents also known to all. But theprevention methods used by concerned people are not sufficient. Many of the facilities
available in the mines are also are not used properly. Due to the lack of proper training eventhe available emergency tools are not effectively used.
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Table 03: Facilities in Mines, Ambulance, Helmet, Globs, and Use of All Safety Tools#
1.

Question
What in your mines there isambulance benefit

Yes
No
Not Knows

Total
2.

What your mines give you helmet

Yes
No
not Regarded

Total
3.

What your mines give you Globs

Yes
No
No Regarded

Total
4.

What you use all safety tools

Yes
No
Not Regarded

Total

5.

If No whyNot like
Go given*others Reason, work suffering
when checking then give some
tools
only men are getting it not
women

Total
Source: Field Survey

Frequency
11
134
34
179
28
145
6
179
11
158
10
179
10
99
70
179
1
44
1

Percentage
6.15
74.86
18.99
100.00
15.64
81.01
3.35
100.00
6.15
88.27
5.59
100.00
5.59
55.31
39.11
100.00
1.01
44.44
1.01

51

51.52

2
99

2.02
100.00The Safety Days and Safety Committee, Union Members
Table shows that 82 percent of the respondent said that there is no any safety committee inmines. Most of them 77 percent were not know about any safety law in mines, neither know
about the safety law details, those who don’t know about it among them more than half 53
have a Lack of awareness 16- 23 percent of them said they don’t get any training or there isno any policy about it. 91 percent of the respondent were not aware about the celebration of
the national safety day except 9 percent of the respondent neither they were aware about its
celebration eject date.
Table 04: The Safety Committee, Safety Law, Awareness About the Safety Law#
1.

Question
About the safety committee in mines

Yes
No
Not Know

Total
2.

About the safety law in mines

YesNo
Not know

Total
3.

What you know this safety law

Yes
No

Total

4.

if you do not know what any reason

Total

Lack of awarenessLack of Traininglack of Policy
Don't knowotherFrequency
21
146
12
179
7
34
138
179
0
179
179
142
61
24
42
0
269

Percentage
11.73
81.56
6.70
100.00
3.91
18.99
77.09
100.000.00
100.00100.00
52.79
22.68
8.92
15.61
0.00
100.00Source: Field Survey

Journal of Global Resources, July 2021, Volume 07 (02) Veena Dwivedi

Page 131 | 9Regarding the union members in the mines more than half 70 percent of the
respondent feel need to have a union member in mines, rest of the 40 percent of the
respondent don’t know about this. Again, 57 percent respondent need safety laws in mines.
About 60 percent of them said that no safety and emergency staff training given by mines,
whenever 37 percent of them were not aware in this regard. Regarding the union members in
the mines more than half 70 percent of the respondent feels urgent need to have a union
member in mines. So, we can say that 40 percent mines workers were not give any
response in this matter. More than half 60 percent of them said that no safety andemergency staff training given by mines, when they were asked about the safety officer
select in your mines same number of the mine’s workers less than one third 23 percent ofthem have answer is yes or no, more than half 54 percent have no any answer in this regard.
Change in Safety Methods
Most of the 95 percent of the mine’s workers want to change in safety methods expect 4
percent of the mine’s worker, very few only less than one percent of them don’t reply in thisregard. Those who want not clear about the kind of change they need, but some of them 9 –17 percent were need Helmet, Socks, increase salary, want Full Safety, compensation andthe permanent job, etc., very few of the mine workers less than two percent of them want
Safety officer, Safety rules, good medical facility in the mines they said that women should
Give Fully safety less Weight to pick up. Regarding the change in present safety rules only
21 percent of the respondent need safety tools, 15 percent of them want to increase salary,
perfect safety and 10 percent of the mine’s workers need rest room. Others very few 5-8
percent need Insurance, Helmet, sue Globs and Ambulance, 1-3 percent of the respondentneed Toilet, less working hours limits, Permanent Jobs, Medicine and to make safety rules inmines.
Suggestions
1. Evaluation of safety rules time to time.
2. Public awareness about safety, health and environment should be created by way of
training and awareness campaigns by using IEC Information, Education &communication materials on personal Health, hygiene & sanitation, use and benefitsof safety kits.
3. Participation of organizations specialized in the field of safety; health
4. All mines should include a statement on status of occupational safety and health intheir Annual Reports.
5. Mine’s safety rules should be put in to practice very strictly and the safety tools
should be made available invariably to all the workers.
6. Provision of the workers Insurance, emergency alarm, labour break rules in mines
etc. should be made known to all the workers through awareness programmes andtrainings.
7. The safety laws should be implemented and awareness about the safety law must be
created among the workers for this purpose a safety committee can be formed.
8. Emergency safety tools should be provided to all the workers and training about theuse of the tools also must be provided. There should be trained safety officer
available in every work sites.
9. Celebration of the national safety day is a good circumstance to make aware of theimportance of the safety rules and its importance.

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10. Survey of mine accidents and development of mine safety information systems(SOMA) should be enhanced Science & Technology support, human resource
development & development of mine rescue services (S&T);
11. Need training in the areas which have been selected after much scrutiny and aredescribed below:• Chemical Safety and Major Accident Hazards Control.
• Behavioral aspects of safety and health management.
• Ergonomic considerations in safety and health.
• Management of information on safety and health.
• To make chief and affordable safety kits for women
Conclusion
This entire study is very useful for those who are associated with mines worker andoccupational health of mines workers. Most of the 95 percent of the mine’s workers want tochange in safety methods. Those who want not clear about the kind of change they need, butsome of them 9–17 percent were need Helmet, Socks, Increase salary, want Full Safety,
compensation and the permanent job, etc, they need training on various field such as
chemical safety , behavioral aspect, management and low-cost safety.
References
1. Grimaldi V. John. (1989). Safety management and there All India Travelers Book Seller,
New Delhi.
2. TN Chhalare, Human Resource Management (2007). Bhanpat Real, New Delhi
3. Mahappa Arun” Industrial Relation (1965). Tata Megrew Hill Publishers, New Delhi
4. Singh K Shclerler (1998) Safety and Risk Management Milted Publication, New Delhi.
5. http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press785.htm
6. http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press785.htm)

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