A Study on the Health and Safety of Factory Workers in Siliguri

26-05-2026

A special empirical research titled “A study on the health and the safety of the workers in the factories in Siliguri” was conducted by the students of VI Semester (B.com) under the supervision of Ms. Sahansheela Sharma. The study on the health and safety of workers in factories in Siliguri examines the working conditions, occupational hazards, and legal protections available to industrial workers employed in factories and manufacturing units. 

Siliguri, being an important commercial and industrial hub of North Bengal, has several small and medium-scale factories such as tea-processing units, food-processing industries, plastic factories, packaging units, and workshops. Workers in these industries often face risks related to unsafe working environments, lack of protective equipment, long working hours, and inadequate health facilities.
The research was conducted by first visiting the labour Commissioners and then later by surveying the workers of factories in Siliguri. The study highlights that many factory workers are exposed to occupational hazards such as dust, smoke, excessive noise, chemical exposure, machine-related injuries, poor ventilation, and unhygienic conditions. 

These hazards may lead to respiratory diseases, skin infections, hearing problems, fatigue, stress, and accidental injuries. In some factories, workers are not adequately trained in safety measures, which increases the possibility of workplace accidents. The research also focuses on the implementation of the Factories Act, 1948 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 in protecting workers’ rights. The Factories Act provides provisions regarding cleanliness, ventilation, drinking water, lighting, sanitation, safety equipment, working hours, medical facilities, and welfare measures for workers. 

The study finds that although these legal provisions exist, their implementation in many factories remains weak because of poor inspection systems, lack of awareness among workers, and negligence by employers.
Another important aspect of the study is the socio-economic condition of factory workers. Most workers belong to economically weaker sections and continue working despite unsafe conditions due to fear of unemployment and low income.

Temporary and contract workers are more vulnerable because they often lack job security, insurance, and medical benefits. The study concludes that there is a strong need for effective enforcement of labour laws, regular factory inspections, health awareness programmes, proper safety training, and provision of protective equipment to workers. Employers, government authorities, and labour organisations must work together to ensure safe and healthy working conditions in factories in Siliguri. Improving workplace safety will not only protect workers’ health but also increase productivity and industrial development in the region.

Students Involved:
Mithali Subba
Md Wasim Khan
Moktick Sinha
Lohit Kumar Bhowmick
Bishal Tigga