NEET PG High-Yield: Health Protection of Workers
1. Engineering Measures (Hierarchy of Controls)
- Elimination/Substitution: Replacing hazardous materials (e.g., using non-toxic solvents).
- Isolation/Enclosure: Encasing hazardous processes (e.g., soundproofing machinery).
- Ventilation: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to remove dust/fumes at the source.
- Wet Methods: Using water to suppress dust (e.g., wet drilling for silica).
2. Medical Measures
- Pre-placement Examination: Assessing fitness for specific job tasks.
- Periodic Medical Examination (PME): Early detection of occupational illness (e.g., audiometry for NIHL, chest X-rays for dust exposure).
- Biological Monitoring: Measuring agents/metabolites in body fluids (e.g., blood lead levels).
3. Legislation & Welfare
| Statute | Key Objective |
|---|---|
| Factories Act, 1948 | Regulates health, safety, welfare, and hours of work in factories. |
| ESI Act, 1948 | Social security: medical care, cash benefits for sickness, maternity, and disability. |
High-Yield NEET PG Pearls:
- Hierarchy of Controls: Engineering/Administrative controls are prioritized over PPE, which is the last line of defense.
- Factories Act (1948): Defines a factory (10+ workers with power, 20+ without). Mandates a “Safety Officer” for 1000+ workers.
- ESI Scheme: Funded by contributions from the employer and employee. Covers the worker and their family for comprehensive medical care.
- Occupational Disease Notification: Employers are legally obligated to notify specified occupational diseases to the authorities.