India ratifies step to prevent recurrance of Bhopal gas tragedy

New Delhi, Aug 7 (UNI) India, which suffered the worst industrial disaster in Bhopal's Union Carbide factory in 1984, has ratified an international convention against major industrial accidents, more than a decade after it came into force on January 3, 1997.

Ratified on June 6, the International Labour Organisation(ILO) Convention Number 174 will come into force in the country from June 6,2009, Union Labour Ministry said in a statement today.

The Convention on Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents was adopted by the UN body at its 80th session in Geneva on June 22, 1993.

The Ministry said the Convention is aimed at preventing major accidents in factories and industrial establishments involving hazardous substances and limiting the consequences of such accidents.

Under the Convention, employers will have to set up and maintain a documented system of major hazard controls, including emergency plans and safety procedures, the Ministry said.

Besides holding employers responsibe for implementing many measures detailed in the Convention, it lists rights and duties of workers to be implemented by employers in consultation with workers' and employers' organisations.

The Labour Ministry said ratification of the Convention in this year of Industrial Safety and Health relfects India's commitment to achieving high occupational health and safety standards to protect the interest of its workers.

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