PTRC is a registered voluntary organization working on the issue of Occupational Safety and Health. It was registered in 1992 under Societies Registration Act and Bombay Public Trust Act. It is also Registered under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.

Even before PTRC was registered in 1992,various activities were carried out to generate awareness and attract wider public attention towards occupational health and safety problems through Vyavsaik Syasthya Suraksha Mandal,a group of industrial workers, since 1986.When we realized the need for sustained efforts at various industrial centers in Gujarat, PTRC was born. Major role played by PTRC is to train shop floor workers in occupational safety & health and HIV/AIDS. It also imparts adolescent education in school. Till now PTRC has trained over 500 shop floor workers and trade union activities from all over the State in occupational safety & health. It has imparted information on HIV/AIDS to over 25,000 industrial workers and given adolescence education to over 3000 students n schools in Baroda.

Another major activity is publication of newsletter and documentation. First issue of the Gujarati newsletter on OSH-Kamdar,Vyavsay,Swasthya -was published in 1988.Renamed as SALAMATI in 1999,till March 2006,82 issues have been published. It is distributed widely all over Gujarat, among workers, Trade Unionists, Safety Unionists, Safety Professionals, Govt.Officers, journalists, NGOs, social activists and academicians.

Gujarat is an industrially developed state with more than 24,000 registered factories employing over one million workers. There are 1250 major accidents hazards (MAH) units in India , out of which of Gujarat accounts for 28%.Majority of registered factories are chemicals unints in country. A part from workers working in organized sector large population is engaged in agriculture, construction and other economic activities. Again there is large service sector like health, education, banking, insurance, local self government, commerce and distribution which do not have any legal protection for occupational safety and health. Rate of accidents at work is very high by any standard. Not data for any occupational diseases official exist. PTRC was formed to address these issues. It also intended to work on other important aspects of workers life. Since last 4 years PTRC has started working on HIV/AIDS also.

PTRC Registration Details

Registration no. under Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950:
F/3189/Ahmedabad, Date: 30-11-92

Registration under Societies Registration Act, 1860:
Guj/3315/Ahmedabad, Date: 30-11-92

Registration under Section 12 - A (a) of Income Tax Act, 1961:
HQ.III/32(p-2)/94-95/AR-8, Date: 01-04-94

Registration under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 1976:
041960117, Date: 12-10-2001

 

  • Mission : Improve Worker's life Standards.
  • Vision : Improvement in Health Standard can be brought about through education and training.
  • Focus : Justice to victims of Occupational and other fatal diseases through various activities.

SURVEY OF AGATE WORKERS

PTRC carried out a survey of agate workers in Nov-Dec,2010. Presented here is summary of the report.

One of the objectives of the study was to know the number of workers engaged in different operations of Agate process and to know the number of workers from different areas. 4570 agate workers participated in the study which included 2358 male and 2212 female workers. Another important objective of the study was to know the age profile of the workers The age range is 6-85. How ever the average age of the respondents was 34.94 (34.25 for male and 31.54 for female). 81.94% respondents are from Khambhat city while rest are from villages in Khambhat taluka. One village in Anklav taluka and 2 villages of Jambusar taluka of Bharuch district are also covered. 67.54% respondents were married, 29.31% unmarried. Youngest age at which one is married is 17 and youngest age at which one had child is 18, both are female. 408 married respondents had no children. On the other hand there were 41 respondents who reported 6-8 children.

Respondents engaged themselves in 6 different process of the industry. Largest number of respondents, 31.04% were engaged in making small pieces known as Fodiya, Vindhara or those in boring operation were 26.11% while 15.34% were Ghasiya who are at highest risk of getting silicosis- a fatal lung disease. Rest 16% were engaged in cutting, drum and polishing processes. We collected information also on finer details of their work to assess the risk they carry. 79.14% respondents work for full time while 20.74% work for part time. Female were in high proportion-84.4%- among this group.

40.43% workers work in employer’s house while 58.84% work in their own home. This data may help us in establishing employer-employee relationship. 43.91% work since last 5 years or less which indicate that the industry keep getting new workers. Only 2.36% (108) have been working since more than 31 years but less than 40 years and only 8 for more than 40 years. One of the objectives of the study was to know their financial status. 85.44% earn Rs.2,000 or less per month. 14.46% earn more than that. 73.31% respondents earn Rs.50 or less per day. 483 respondents have exposure to silica dust while working in dry process. 73.45 respondents replied that they do not own machine. 4.24% only reported any sickness among themselves while 40% reported they have sick in their family. 34.85 had one or more addiction. Tobacco chewing is most popular addiction. 47 male and 35 female in age group 14-18 found having addiction of tobacco. Only 3.89% respondents are in debt. Majority among them are Ghasiya. 178 respondents together reported total amount of Rs.11.77 lakh as Baki. 99.67% do not buy or sell stones which establish them as wage workers.

One of the objectives of the study was to know their preparedness to work in common shed, if built with all common facilities for dust reduction. 32.67% respondents have shown preparedness to work in common shed while 16.21% are fence sitters and will decide later. 51.07% categorically refused. Those who are prepared to work in common shed are from all major processes and all geographical areas under study. 2810 (61.47%) respondents claimed they are BPL but only 2379 have BPL card. 4012 respondents have voter card. 41 have driving license. One of the objectives of the study was to know their other skills which may be used for their rehabilitation. 10.87% respondents have some other skill which may help them earn living but 89.13% do not know any other skill to earn their living and are solely dependent on this industry.

Following exposure to Polyacrylate,Outbreak of new occupational illness

PTRC received a mail in May,2011 from Dr. A. Dewan, freelance toxicologist in Ahmadabad informing that she has seen a patient under treatment at J. M. Hospital, Ahmadabad who worked for a chemical factory manufacturing poly acrylate and other polymers for 10-12 months and then she complained of severe breathlessness. Upon investigation it was diagnosed to be a case of pneumo-thorax with fibrosis. The patient had informed that some of her other colleagues, too have similar health complaints. PTRC then decided to take up investigation. We visited the patients in June, 2011. In our investigation we found 3 more similar cases who worked in same factory and have similar complaints. We also visited a widow who lost her young daughter, Alka Thakor who worked in this factory for some time and then had similar complaints. All patients are very young, have had no prior exposure to hazardous material any where, were exposed to high amount of fine dust at work and were healthy when employed. It is learnt that there are few more cases whom we have not been able to visit. Mrs.Naina Mistry, later succumbed to her lung fibrosis in September, 2011.

PTRC released the report in a press conference at Ahmadabad. Press gave wide coverage. Later we sent press clippings to the Chief Justice, Gujarat High Court who later filed suo-moto PIL. In this PIL Hon’be Court directed National Institute of Occupational Health to examine all existing workers. Accordingly, NIOH examined all 84 workers. Out of 84, 12 were found suffering from lung disease and 17 from liver disease. The Court directed the Company to suspend the affected workers till they regain their health, protect their pay, provide them free treatment and reinstate them when treatment is over.

Silicosis Ni Akik Ghasiya Kutumbo Par Padti Asar No Abhyas ( Gujarati ) - 2003

(Study of Effects of Silicosis on Polishers Families : Agate Industry of Khambhat )

Khambhat is world’s oldest center for beads while polishing the Agate stone to give desired shape lot of dust is generated inhalation of the dust causes silicosis. Large number of workers die at young age due to silicosis. This study was undertaken in year 2003 to study how the families affected after main bread earner of the family dies. The report presented case studies. The study is descriptive. This study has identified needs for social intervention.

Trend of Occupational diseases in Baroda-2001

The questionnaire survey was undertaken of select industrial units in Vadodara (Baroda) district. The study was funded by Environment fund for NGOs, New Delhi.

296 workers responded out of which 12 were rejected due to inadequate information.286 respondents came from 61 units of which 50 were either chemical or pharmaceutical.

- 67% respondents were in helper 40 or below.

- 45% had exposure of more than 15 years.

- 56.7% respondents were in helper category.

- 76% respondents said, There work environment remain dusty.

- 41% respondents were exposed to continue high noise level.

- 55.7% were surfing from skin problem.

7 industrial doctors were interviewed. A diagnosis camp was organized as a part of the study.

Trend of Fatal Accidents in Registered Factories in Gujarat : 1991-1995

No Fatal Accidents have kept rising in this period chemicals units contributed 20%-49% of Fatal Accidents. In Non-textile, Non-chemical group Bhavnagar district at Alang. The study also reveals how law is used for under reporting. Study of Prosecution Under Factories Act Done by Office of Factories Inspector Baroda in 1995, Published in Economic and Political Weekly, in 1999 No.3 & 4 It was revealed that public sector units are not prosecuted for any violations, deliberate efforts to play down violations by public sector or MNCs (Multinational Corporations). It was also revealed that no prosecutions were done for tragedy. Deliberate efforts of farming poor charges lead to low amount of fine.

Activities

  • Health Awareness & Education
  • Legal Counseling & Support
  • Training
  • Advocacy
  • Networking
  • Campaigns
  • Research
  • Documentation & Publication
  • Information Dissemination
  • Diagnosis & Treatment Camps

Achievements

  • Trained several hundred workers.
  • Successful Campaign on Dust related Lung Diseases in Gujarat.
  • Publication of bimonthly newsletter ‘Salamati’
  • Helped workers claim various benefits entitled under Employees State Insurance Act
  • Awareness through exhibitions and publications

Current Programs

  • Silicosis prevention among gems & jewelry industry and other industries. We run day care center for working agate women to prevent silica exposure to children, run weekly clinic for silicosis victims in collaboration with Sri Krishna Hospital, Karamsad And Cardiac care Centre, Khambhat, help Silicosis Victims Association in advocacy for their rights, support widows and school going children as well as bed-ridden agate workers in various ways.
  • Occupational health training.
  • Legal support to the victims of occupational diseases.

Other Services

We advice Trade Unions on OHS issues, as and when they need. We have been advising TUs as well as individual workers, citizens, NGOs and others on wide range of OHS issues. Information on various work place hazards is sought or the procedure to claim various benefits of ESI. Some inquire about legal provisions for this and some want us to forward their complaints to Factory Inspectorate or other authorities. We liaise with ESI hospital, ESIS administration and ESIC local offices apart from Directorate Industrial Safety & Health We have helped victims of occupational diseases even to get proper treatment. We helped workers of Hema Chemicals, victims of chromium exposure to get diagnosed and claim compensation.

Campaigns

Grassroot OHS groups all over world observe 28th April as International Workers Memorial Day. We have been observing this day since 1992. This is an occasion offered to the people to join paying tributes to the diseased workers and raise their voice to protect workers Health and Safety at work.

Exhibition

We have been organizing exhibitions in industrial areas since long. In course of time we have different sets of posters. A set of posters give information on Occupational Diseases. While another one is about Bhopal Gas tragedy. We have prepared posters on hazardous of various industrial materials on various body parts. This exhibition : ‘Our Body Our Work’-is organized at several places all over Gujarat. Poster exhibition gives us an opportunity to come in diret contract with people from all walks of life to whom we introduce our activities and publications.

Advice Center for OHS :

PTRC runs advice centre for occupational safety & health. The centre provides information on hazards, ways of prevention and laws. It also helps in diagnosis of occupational diseases and claim for compensation. It helps in locating the lawyer, preparing petition and explaining procedures. The centre is equipped with audiometer, Spiro meter and other basic instruments for clinical check up.

Our Funding partners:

Since 1992 several National and International organizations have supported our programs

  • International Federation of Chemical, Energy and General Workers' Unions (ICEF) and later International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM); Belgium
  • Global Greengrants Fund (GGF), USA
  • Society For Participatory Research In Asia (PRIA), Delhi, India
  • Asia Monitor Resource Centre (AMRC), Hong Kong
  • Environmental Fund For NGOs, India
  • JANPATH, India
  • Gujarat Ecology Commission, India
  • ActionAid India, India
  • Environmental Equity justice partnership (EEJP),New Delhi, India
  • Gujarat State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), India
  • Director Industrial Safety & Health (DISH), Gujarat State, India
  • Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, India
  • Bhansali Trust, India.
  • Institute for Global Labor And Human Rights, USA
  • Several individual donors.

Net Working

PTRC is associated with/member of following networks:

  • ANROEV (Asian Network of Rights of Occupational & Environmental Victims)
  • OHENI (Occupational & Environmental Health Network India )
  • A-BAN
  • JANPATH
  • CRCG (Child Rights Collective Gujarat )
  • GOHNET (Global Occupational Health Network)
  • JSA (Jan Swasthya Abhiyan)

Silicosis Prevention

Bead craft is an ancient human craft. It developed at Khambhat centuries ago when Khambhat was one of the important ports on western coast of India. After the electricity came, the handicraft slowly got mechanized. With mechanization pace of production increased. Workplace became dusty. The stones contain huge amount of free silica. Large numbers of men & women became victims of Silicosis – deadly occupational diseases. We supported efforts for prevention since 1990. PTRC started its own program since 2002. We put in our efforts to popularize safer technology & health education through various innovative activities. We have been helping victims and other affected population for rehabilitation, group insurance, getting Government schemes implemented. We are helping victims to get organized for justice. PTRC is member of ANROAV. ANROAV is in forefront of Campaign to eliminate Silicosis. As part of this Campaign, PTRC (India) & LAC (Hong Kong ) have come together to launch campaign to eliminate Silicosis in Gems & Jewelry industry in both the countries.

Work with Chromium workers

A factory manufacturing Sodium bichromate, Basic Chromium Sulfate and chromic acid employed about 200 workers. The OHS condition at work remained poor. Workers were organized. In 1985, we noticed dermatitis among the workers. We had to wait till 1993, when one of the workers had to amputee one of his toes. Union and the workers got interested. When the Factories Inspector was persuaded they found 36 workers with nasal septum perforation. Upon more inquiry we came to know about various other health problems related to workplace like Asthma, liver problems etc. Workers were explained about their rights for compensation and helped them claim and at various stage of processing the claim. Eventually few workers got the compensation but most could not get favorable decision by Medical Board. Workers decided to challenge the decision of the board in court of law. We are helping them in locating lawyer, preparing petition, negotiations with lawyer, fees for the petition etc. Complaints are pending with the Medical Appeal Tribunal since 2001for hearing but State Government has not formed the Tribunal. Meanwhile several petitioners have died before they get the justice.

Silicosis among Stone crushers

Tribal workers from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat find employment in stone crushing units in Gujarat which manufacture quartz powder of different mesh sizes. Godhra and Balasinor are two towns where these units are situated. Workers normally are given small rooms in the premises to stay. Most workers migrate with their family. Workers exposed to fine silica dust, get Silicosis in due course. They go back to their ancestral village when sick and die there, without the outside world knowing about it. They only know what sicken them though they are not aware about the medical name of the disease. They are also not aware about legal provisions for compensation. When sick, they seek treatment to get relief from Public health services and when no relief comes their way, they go to private sector. To bear the expenses they have to either take loans at heavy interest rates from private money lenders on pledging the land or sale the ornaments, cattle or land. PTRC started working with the victims in Dahod district of Gujarat. We carried out survey to identify the victims, helped them get diagnosed and file compensation claims.