SHILLONG: The State Government has directed various industrial units to ensure that workers do not suffer from the dreaded lung disease – silicosis.
In a statement issued to the media on Wednesday, the Chief Inspector of Boilers and Factories informed that as per the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission in its annual report and the Central Government directive, all Industrial entrepreneurs involved in stone crushers units, brick manufacturing units,’glass manufacturing, manufacture of pottery, refractory bricks, sand shot blasting, operation in foundries, grinding and glazing of metals and manipulation of stone and other materials, should get their Industrial units registered under the Factories Act, 1948, and the Meghalaya Factories Rules, 1980, for a better compliance in ensuring the safety and health of workmen and for preventive and eradication of the dreaded disease, silicosis.
The official has also reiterated that silicosis is a disabling lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust containing free silica, adding that there are many operations in industries which make use of stone, sand and other minerals containing the substance.
He urged the stakeholders of all industries to come forward for registration of their industrial units so as to ensure an atmosphere free from any health hazard as the industries have the potential to cause silicosis due to the exposure to silica dust.
