PROBLEM OF SILICOSIS AMONG WORKERS OF AGATE INDUSTRY IN KHAMBHAT
Published Date: 2007-11-16
The Problem: Ornaments and other decorative and showcase items are being manufactured from Agate and other stones in Khambhat city and surrounding villages.
It is believed that this business is going on in this region since last 2500 years. Excavations in Nagara village by archeologists have put forward this thesis. Manufacturing process include various steps like heat treatment, breaking the stones into small pieces, size reduction in ball mill, giving shape on grinding wheels, polishing for luster, making hole and prepare final product for sale. All these are carried out by different of people known by ‘fodia’, ‘ghasiya’ etc.
Investment is mainly done by the traders who own show room in city of Khambhat.
Most traders export their products. They find big market in middle east, African countries, Europe and USA. Traders buy different types of stones from different parts of the country. Then they give out different jobs to different people. Some traders get the preliminary jobs done by themselves in their premises while rest of the activities is done by the workers or middleman in their premises.Most middlemen also put in physical labor and they come from same social-economical class. Most middlemen employ 5-10 workers. Payment to the workers in all stages is on piece rate. Each stake holder in the business has more than one business partners and hence, barring few, well defined employer-employee relationship is absent.
Workers do need money for treatment or marriage or rituals after death and so on.
They take advances from the middlemen. Interest is not charged but in some cases piece rate is different for the people who take advance. By and by the worker gets tied up in the vicious circle. Worker is not free to change either the job or employer till one fully repays the debt. If dared, employer would physically coerce and bring back the worker. If worker dies, some employers ask other family members to work and return the debt. Whole situation compels the family to continue the work with the same employer.Large number of workers has habit of drinking alcohol. All their savings is dragged away in alcohol. One of the employers is known to supply them alcohol, too. Needless to say, these workers are not organized.
Once upon a time it was a pure handicraft and an art but after introduction of electricity, pace of work increased. Grinding the stone on grinding (emery) wheels driven by electricity at a speed of 2-3,000 RPM generates large amount of dust. The generated dust contain fine dust of the size 2-5 micron size which, when inhaled reaches alveoli of lungs. The dust contains more than 90% of free silica..
Thus Silica particles get settled in lungs causing Silicosis-a deadly disease. Large numbers of workers, men and women, till date have died of Silicosis. Number of families has been completely wiped off. Large numbers of children have been left orphans. The widows have their own specific problems of livelihood. Elders’ loss support when youngsters in the family die of silicosis, when they need the support most. The youngsters in the age group of marrying do not find bides\grooms. Marriages break when one of the couple gets Silicosis. Society is paying high price. This is one of the most tragic stories of ‘development’ in Gujarat.
It takes 5 year to 10 years to get Silicosis. It is only now that some people know the difference between TB and Silicosis. TB is curable while Silicosis is incurable. Though Silicosis is a compensable disease under Workman Compensation Act, there is not a single case of claim, due to complex social situation. Once the worker gets the disease his condition becomes pitiable. In many cases there is no one to look after and one is compelled to work till death, lest he & his family would not be able to get evening meal. Large numbers of women work as grinders and hence death rate among women is also high.
Efforts by various agencies:
The problem of Silicosis was first cited in a study taken up by Industrial Toxicology Research Center (ITRC), Luck now around 1980. Press briefings of this study lead Lok Adhikar Sangh to make public Interest petition in Gujarat High Court. The High Court set up an inquiry commission in which a high court lawyer, Dy.Chief Inspector factories and NIOH expert were members. NIOH carried out a survey and installed an exhaust system to measure the dust levels before and after the installation of the system. The results were excellent. The Commission submitted its report to the Court. The petition is still pending in the Court for final hearing and order
This is a major environmental problem, too. Industrial area is not separate from community. Most people work in their small house. Not only the worker is exposed to deadly Silica dust but the other inmates of the house including children are also exposed. Many a time mothers are seen polishing with children in their lap. ITRC study has shown Silicosis even among small children. The dust gets spread all over freely and the people in the neighborhood also are exposed to the dust. Thus the problem is not limited to the workplace only. In fact there is nothing like a separate workplace. Whole community is exposed to the air-pollution. This is an environmental problem where large numbers of people are at risk. Silica is found to be carrying risk of Cancer according to the recent international studies. The population at risk is more than 5,000. In 1991, one of the employers, on his own, decided to install the system. Vyavsayik Swasthya Suraksha Mandal helped him to get the NIOH design which he got fabricated locally. The system worked well and workers were satisfied. NIOH carried out an efficacy study of these machines and results were satisfactory. But other employers pressurized the employer not to operate the system. The experiment failed in a sense that other employers were not prepared to accept the burden. Gujarat Pollution Control Board instructed Gujarat Electricity Board not to give new electrical connection or increase load to the agate polishers, if one do not possess NOC from GPCB. In some cases, where neighbors complained with GPCB, the Board has taken some action, but it is limited to few isolated cases and as a whole it has not been effective to reduce the pollution load of the area.
Later, Vyavsayik Swasthya Suraksha Mandal contacted Gram Technology, Gandhinagar and requested them to develop a system, which is energy efficient and use smaller motor. Gram Technology (GT) developed such a system after several experiments and got it patented. NIOH carried out efficacy study of these machines, too. JANPATH, a voluntary organization, got the permission from the GT and got three machines fabricated locally. The machines were given to three employers at a token cost. It was observed that these were not used by the employers and some of them took out the motors and grinding wheels and used them in their own machines.
JANPATH organized meeting with workers and workers expressed to get the insurance cover. So Janpath got 900 workers insured under a group insurance scheme of LIC. In first year 28 workers died. LIC got alarmed and increased the premium. The insurance continued. In second year about 36 workers died and once again LIC proposed to raise the premium. Then the organization decided to discontinue the scheme.
GANTAR, another voluntary organization worked for some time with the widows and children. The widows were helped with buying buffaloes while for children play centers were opened. Some of the orphans were got admitted to Ashram schools. The activities were stopped after two years.
Since year 2000, NIOH has taken up a massive environmental epidemiological study including monitoring Silica dust in environment. NIOH has also put in efforts to come out with better designs of the exhaust system. The systems they have installed are more energy efficient than all earlier designs, but the attitude of the employers have not changed. It is observed that the systems are used only when NIOH officers visit them. They put it off as soon as the officers show their back. Only one employer has shown consistent interest and his workers have worked on it hard to maintain and improve the design.
All these efforts have taken the movement for better environment a step ahead, but all of them have failed in looking at the problem in its totality. Giving out machines to the polisher at token cost or free of charge has not worked, as there was no involvement and active contribution of people. If someone is giving free, they accept without any guarantee of its use.
From the experiences so far, we strongly feel that the problem needs to be attacked from all the directions. What is needed is to change attitude of the employers. This can be done by publicity on large scale coupled with legal measures and acceptable designs of the exhaust system i.e. appropriate technology.
INTERVENTION BY Peoples Training And Research Centre (PTRC):
PTRC- a non-profit voluntary organization- was established in 1992 to focus the issue of Occupational Safety and Health. Before that, some work was done by us under the banner of Vyavsayik Swathya Suraksha Mandal, which was formed in 1986. VSS Mandal was the first among NGOs to reach there. Mandal activists first visited Shakarpur in early 1990.Then it gave wide publicity, mainly among NGOs and media and arranged their visits. We encouraged them to work with this community. PTRC was born out of VSS Mandal later.
In last one year, we aimed at bringing attitudinal change in local community regarding safer technology. People did not have clear idea of the difference between TB and Silicosis. We published pamphlets and booklet and distributed freely.
Machine Yatra :
In 2002, we propagated safer technology through local TV channel and 2 Cinema houses for more than 6 months at a stretch. We organized ‘Machine Yatra’ for a week, which went through the Agate Bazaar (Market) on the first day and culminated in a public meeting. The Agate traders, local politicians, community leaders, representatives of NGOs and few workers attended it. Later, the Yatra visited all the areas where Agate polishing is going on. Workers and employers had an opportunity to see it and take a trial.
Health Fair:
We organized ‘Aarogya Mela’. (Health Fair) on 25-26 January in Khambhat city which was inaugurated by local MLA. In two days time several thousand people visited the fair. This has helped clarifying the difference among target group.
Posters:
We published 2 posters which were distributed freely.
Street Play:
We prepared a street play. Aditi Desai - a well-known theater artist, directed the play. Professional scriptwriter wrote the play. Local youths were trained to play the show. They were either agate workers or diamond cutters or bricklayers. Most of them had lost one or two parents in Silicosis. We organized more than 21 shows in various areas. All these focused activities helped make a change to look at the problem. During this period, there were occasions of conflict with the employers and we were not allowed to hold street play in some of the areas.
Survey:
We carried out a questionnaire survey to investigate the Occupational Health problems other than Silicosis among Polishers. We included workers from other processes than Polishing, so that hazards in other processes can also be known. Report of the survey is ready
Influencing policy makers:
On the other hand, we made representation to the Labor Minister and liaised with Factory Inspectorate. They made several visits and we helped them identify the units, which could fall under the Act. They issued notices to 12 new units to get themselves registered under the Act.
Safer Technology:
As a result of the activities, some big employers have come forward to invest in safer technology. We have helped them in locating fabricator. The fabricator is experimenting with different ideas to make it more cheaper and eco-friendly, energy saving. Three models were tried and is being improved further. We hope that soon we shall have a machine which satisfies the safety needs as well as satisfies employers economic limitations and energy saving.
Earlier people used to think that the Government wants safer technology and therefore Govt shall give the machines or Govt will give subsidy, NIOH will give machine to all (NIOH gave 10 machines for demonstration). Now people have come out of such beliefs and probably they have understood their own responsibility. They are ready to invest in safer technology. 10 employers are waiting for the latest experiment to succeed.
Sammelan:
On 16th December we organized SAMMELAN. Objective was to provide common platform to the Silicosis sufferers, widows, orphan youth, small & big employers, traders, Government officers, concerned citizens and NGO representatives to share their concerns, problems, efforts and plans for preventing Silicosis. Over 350 people participated. Local MLA presided over the function. Other guests included Jt.Director, Health & Safety, Baroda, Sr. Officer, H & S, Anand, NIOH representative, local industrialist and Agate traders.
Study of widows:
A study of widows was carried out by PTRC in collaboration of Dr. Ambedkar Chair, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar in 2003-04. The study revealed how widows lead the life.
Representation with NHRC:
In July, 2004, Jan Swasthya Abhiyan and NHRC jointly organized public hearing fro concrete cases of denial to right to health care. We participated in this hearing. We were able to persuade one of the victims to represent his case.
Self-help Savings groups:
After the big employers install the machines, we shall persuade smaller people to install machine. They would need some financial support. We have formed 15 SHGs till now which has saving of Rs.60,000/-. We look forward to form 30 groups by September 2006.
Janashri Insurance:
In 2004, we implemented this Central Government Scheme. 25 workers bought the policy from us at Rs.100/-. 2 among them died. When their families received claim amt, community got convinced. This year we propagated the scheme widely and worked for 2 months for promotion. As a result 160 workers bought policy. Till December 12 among them died. Claims have been submitted. Over and above premium, community is paying us Rs.20/- per insurance towards service charges, which show their willingness to participate.
Helping Education:
In June every year we distribute notebooks, books, uniforms and school bag to the most needy. Books are taken back after the year and given to others. We spend up toRs.5,000/-.For this we appeal individuals to donate the amount. More over the insurance scheme has a linked benefit scheme. Under this scheme 12 students studying in 8 - 12 standards have been awarded scholarship of Rs.1200/- each.
Victims Association:
This September we helped Silicosis victims – including widows, orphans, elderly people and Silicosis patients to form victim Association. The association shall now be helped to implement their programs for Silicosis prevention, compensation, relief and rehabilitation, care & support and capacity building.
A film on Silicosis Deaths:
A film maker from Delhi expressed his desire to make a film on the issue and sought our help in collecting information; arrange visits and interviews with different stake holders and other local arrangements. The film ‘A way to dusty death’ is a result of these efforts. Film was produced by PSBT, Government of India. It is an excellent film which was telecast on National TV Network. It is a tool we use for advocacy. We met several eminent personalities, institutions and organizations to seek their help, guidance and support for the cause through this medium.
Intended Activities:
Apart from Silicosis prevention, we want to focus on the problems of widows, orphans and victims. We also intend to organize Agate workers in ALL the processes. We intend to prevent silica exposure among infants and children up to age 5. When women polish Agate having baby in lap, the baby is exposed to this dust. A recent NIOH document claim high prevalence of Silicosis among children.
If we succeed in persuading people to install exhaust systems, the future need would be to train people in repair and maintenance. We also want to put up a people's clinic where workers can come for early detection and medical advice on occupational health. This clinic would help in early diagnosis of Silicosis or Noise Induced deafness. We need Spirometer and audiometer for the clinic. We can train activists in using these instruments.
Contact:
Jagdish Patel
Ph:+265 2344576;2631815;m-9426486855
pateljb@sancharnet.in
jagdish.jb@gmail.com
ANNEXURE -1
Few case studies:
Manjubahen,27.
Her husband died of Silicosis on 24-7-97.;Has three children:
Vishnu(10),Lalo(7) and Youngest 4 yr old.
Her husband was drunkard. He was grinding since his childhood, i.e. since he was 12.When Manjuben married him and came to Shakarpur, she had to spend her nights in monsoon with neighbors.
He was dreaming of a good house but died before he can achieve it. He did not want Manju to work with Agate after he dies, but Manju had no other alternative. She is earning her living by grinding Agate. She is illiterate.
Pushpaben Bhagawati Gohel, 21.
Married to Bhagawati at the age of 12-13. Bhagawati was illiterate. Husband Bhagawati Aasahbhai Gohel died of Silicosis on12-02-01, leaving behind two children- Nitin ( 5) and Shankar (3).
When she gave birth to her second child, husband fell down from tree and fractured his leg. He had to be admitted in hospital. They sold their small piece of land for treatment. After he was out of it, he again fell sick, now for Silicosis. Again they needed money. Money was borrowed from employer.
Now she is staying with her mother-in-law. Mother-in-law works as agriculture labor. Pushpa works as house made and earn Rs.400/- a month. Elder child attends school while younger one is yet to go to school.
Aayesha Abdulbhai Malek,36; Married in 93-94.
Husband fell sick in 98.;died on 20-02-01, leaving behind two children:
Anish(8) and Bilal (6)
She does not have any nearby relatives here. She is staying in a rented house paying Rs.250/- per month. It is just one small room without any facilities. Since last three months she is ill. She too used to work with her husband on agate grinding. Now she is working as house made. She is not happy with what she is earning. Because of her illness, she is not able to attend work regularly. In last December, when she was very ill, her neighbors used to send her food. She is much worried about future of her children.
Taherabanu Malek,35
Husband died in 2001. She died in 2004. She left behind 5 children:
Shahin (11), Shirin ( 9), Farzana ( 7), Arbaz ( 4), Muskanbanu ( 2)
She also was working with her husband on agate stone.
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