JAIPUR: The worst case of silicosis was uncovered when 14 out of 14 mine workers, who had been for a medical examination in Kota, were confirmed positive. The average age of these mine workers is 48 years. The figure is the highest percentage of confirmed cases of silicosis examined by the Pneumoconiosis Board. Sources said these persons will now be provided with monetary relief of Rs 1 lakh by the environmental board.
This is the first time after the amendment in Rajasthan Workmen’s Compensation (Occupational Diseases) Rules, 1965 that the Pneumoconiosis Board gathered in Government Medical College & MBS Hospital, Kota to diagnose occupational diseases. Prior to the constitution of the board most of the workers had been diagnosed for tuberculosis.
Under the Workmen Compensation Act, 1923, the state government established Rajasthan Silicosis Rules, 1955. A decade down the line the government came out with Rajasthan Workmen’s Compensation (Occupational Diseases) Rules, 1965 under Section 32 of Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923. Under these new set of rules the scope of the occupational diseases was broadened and pneumoconiosis, which covers silicosis or coal miners pneumoconiosis or asbestosis or any of these diseases accompanied by pulmonary tuberculosis, was mentioned under one of these classes. Read more
Courtesy: THE TIMES OF INDIA
Recent Comments