Young workers under 25 face highest risk of occupational injuries: Study
Bengaluru: Workers below the age of 25 are at the highest risk of suffering from traumatic occupational injuries, often leading to severe financial hardship compounded by limited insurance coverage, according to a recent study.
The findings, as cited by Deccan Herald on Monday, were published in the Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and are based on data collected from 148 occupational injury cases over a six-month period. The data was gathered through hospital records and direct telephonic interviews with patients at a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru.
The study sample primarily consisted of male workers, 144 out of 148, with an average age of 30.6 years. These individuals were employed across various labour-intensive and informal sectors such as construction, mining, transport, manufacturing, cleaning, and the garment industry. Their interviews revealed that individuals under 25 years are most vulnerable to workplace injuries.
Key contributors to these injuries included unsafe working environments and employee negligence. The study found that injuries commonly affected limbs, the head, and the eyes. While nearly 69% of respondents indicated that personal protective equipment (PPE) was available at their workplaces, only 51.4% reported consistent usage of the safety gear.
Financial distress emerged as a significant concern among those surveyed. Approximately 43% of the injured workers reported ‘catastrophic’ healthcare expenses. Meanwhile, only 36.5% were able to benefit from company credit coverage, and just 7.4% benefitted from the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme.
The report, as cited by DH, mentioned the importance of targeted interventions to reduce the incidence of occupational injuries, especially in high-risk sectors. Recommendations included improving the distribution and usage of PPE through enforcement and worker training, expanding insurance coverage to alleviate financial strain, and enhancing awareness about existing social protection schemes.
Highlighting the broader scale of the issue, the study’s authors noted that India sees approximately 17 million non-fatal and 45,000 fatal occupational injuries each year. These findings underscore an urgent need for systemic changes in occupational safety, particularly for younger workers who are often at the frontline of hazardous, low-paid labour.
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Amit Shah hails Yediyurappa as leader who created a new path
Chitradurga: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the five decades of public life and political struggle of former Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa serve as an inspiration for the younger generation.
Speaking at the ‘BSY Abhimanotsava’ held to honour Yediyurappa, Shah lauded his journey from a humble background to becoming one of Karnataka’s most influential political leaders.
During the event, Shah released two books titled ‘Kendavare-Kamala Aralida Kathe’ and ‘Sadana Shikari-Yediyurappanavara Gudugina Nudigalu’.
Shah said there are leaders who simply walk on existing roads and leaders who create new paths for others to follow, and described Yediyurappa as a leader who has shown a new direction.
“He came from an ordinary family. His willpower, the values of the Sangh and his patriotism guided him throughout his life,” Shah said.
He recalled that Yediyurappa travelled to villages on a bicycle when buses were unavailable and worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP at the grassroots level.
Shah said Yediyurappa had walked thousands of kilometres and led several struggles in support of farmers, which earned him the reputation of being a farmer leader. He added that Yediyurappa had even undergone imprisonment during these movements.
Referring to political developments in West Bengal, Shah said the BJP Chief Minister took oath there on the same day that Karnataka was celebrating Yediyurappa’s 50 years in public life. He described it as the beginning of a new chapter in the land associated with Swami Vivekananda and Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
At the programme, former minister C. T. Ravi presented details of Yediyurappa’s 50 years of public service. Yediyurappa was felicitated at the event.
Also present were BJP national general secretary (organisation) B. L. Santhosh, several dignitaries and seers.
