How Can I Prevent Frequent Accidents and Legal Issues in My Factory's High-Risk Environment?

In our factory, workers operate a cutter (to cut steel sheets) and dies. It is mandatory for the workers to maintain 100% attention while working; otherwise, they could cut or crush their fingers. Accidents happen frequently in the factory, and then I have to spend a significant amount on their medical treatment and deal with the police, etc.

Most of the labor force consists of daily wage earners, and they are not on the factory's payroll. Now, what should I do to handle such a situation? I wish to change the machinery, but no better option is available on a smaller scale. How can I protect myself in such incidents? Is there any rule or law that allows me to place the responsibility on the labor? I am always ready to cover their medical expenses but don't want to be dragged into a police case, etc.

Kindly help me out.

Regards,
Deve

Group Mediclaim Policy for Workmen

What happened to your Group Mediclaim Policy for all the workmen engaged by your factory? It will cover all the medical expenses and the costs of disability benefits to be paid to the workmen. However, you must ensure that when appointing or engaging the workmen, they provide all necessary documentation such as Name Proof, Address Proof, Birth Certificate, or any equivalent documental evidence.

Pre-employment Medical Check-ups

Pre-employment medical check-ups should be made compulsory for all workmen. Additionally, any incidental charges paid to the police or other individuals should be borne by the contractor whose roles the injured workmen were engaged in. This will encourage contractors to maintain a good supervisor who can provide constant supervision to prevent any unsafe acts or conditions in the workplace.

By following these procedures, you need not worry about the expenditure. Official expenses will be covered by the insurance company, while any incidental expenses will be the responsibility of the concerned contractor.

Regards

Safety Features in Cutting Machines

It seems the cutting machines do not have proper safety features like protection guards, etc. In this era of automation, such accidents should not happen if you use machines with safety features. The monetary aspect is secondary; safe working conditions are primary.

Regards,
Pon

First of all, provide training on how to handle materials in a safe condition and also supply them with PPE.

Regards,
Alphonse

Why don't you take preventive measures to avoid accidents? It is your responsibility to provide a safe working environment for workers. Provide training on job safety and treat them as human beings. No job is so important that it cannot be done safely. Don't take it otherwise.

Really good suggestion by Amit. You really don't need to bother when you are registered under ESIC and PF.

Regards,
Dipak Dave

If I understand your case correctly, it seems to involve a Shearing Machine. To prevent fingers from being trapped in the machine, it is essential to implement foolproof arrangements. This can be achieved by installing a guard or utilizing a photo sensor. The focus should be on eliminating this hazard through engineering controls as mandated by the Factories Act, which requires employers to provide proper guards.

To provide specific recommendations, it would be helpful if you could upload a photo of the machine. I can then suggest appropriate measures to enhance safety.

Regards,
Sudhir