We are thrilled to share the exciting news that we have established our 4th Worker Assistance Center in Gurugram on 27th August, 2023. It will also serve as our Head Office.
The functioning of the Center in Civil Lines, Gurugram, will ensure that workers injured in Gurugram will get assistance from us at their doorstep and do not have to travel all the way to our Manesar office, like they had to do previously. Hopefully, many more will visit us as a result.
We offer our special thanks to Azim Premji Foundation, Vikram Lal Family Foundation, IIMA91 Giving Back, alumni of IIT88, IIM92 and IITR87, and many others who are present on our Wall of Supporters.
Below is one minute video on the branch opening:
The new Worker Assistance Centre is not just any office, it is a place that offers hope of safer working conditions to the workers in the automobile sector and shall contribute towards improved delivery of ESIC services for all industrial workers. This centre will enhance our reach and impact, enabling us to touch the lives of more and more workers in need.
In the last seven years, despite an year lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been able to assist 6000+ injured workers by getting them ESIC compensation valued at 50+ crores and our unwavering commitment is towards supporting injured workers and advocating for enhanced workplace safety standards.
This year, in our upcoming CRUSHED2023 report, we are placing a special emphasis on injured women workers. Women workers often face many more challenges in workplaces, and their lives often become particularly distressing after they meet with accidents on 'dangerous machines' like power presses, especially when such accidents result in the loss of fingers or a limb. These disabled women, who often are the backbone of many households, are often left with only limited opportunities to earn a living and support their families.
In order to gain deeper insights into the challenges faced by such injured workers, we organized a panel discussion featuring two injured men and two injured women workers. During this panel discussion, we learnt about some of the difficulties that women encounter in such work environments.
Radha: 22, Uttar Pradesh, lost one finger on power press machine and her job with it.
“मेरे यहां कोई कमाने वाला भी नहीं। पहले मालिक बोला था की काम करवा दूंगा फिर बोले की आपका काम नहीं होगा। 4 January को चोट लगी थी। उस समय से अब तक मेरा कोई काम नहीं हुआ है। 8 महीने हो गए अब तक छुट्टी के भी पैसे नहीं आए।”
Premlata: 34, lost two fingers on power press machine, while paid less than men
“मैंने जब बोला की अगर gents operator को 13,000 देते हो तो मुझे 12,000 चाहिए तो उन्होंने कंपनी से निकाल दिया जबकि मेरी उसी company में 2 उंगलियां कटी। अब जिस company मे मैं काम कर रही वहाँ बोहोत बारीख़ी काम है pin लगानी पड़ती है इस हाथ से मैं pin नहीं लगा पाती हूँ।”
The struggle of injured women workers is not merely physical, it is emotional and economic as well. These women are not just fighting to recover from their injuries; they are battling to reclaim their lives, provide for their families, and maintain their dignity. In many cases, they are the primary breadwinners, and the loss of a finger can have devastating consequences on their livelihoods and those who depend on them.
As we celebrated the opening of our new Center, we couldn't help but reflect on the unwavering support we have received from countless individuals, organizations, and communities. The wall of supporters is a testament to your generosity and belief in our mission. We express our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you. Without your support, none of this would have been possible.
Premlata on asistance provided by Safe in India's team:
“सर ये जो हमारी लड़ाई आप लड़ रहे है उसके लिए हम आपके तहे दिल से शुक्रगुज़ार हैं। सर ये आपकी लड़ाई नहीं है, ये हमारी लड़ाई आप लड़ रहे हैं क्युकी हम गरीब लोग है, मजदूर लोग हैं, हमे कोई मार्ग दर्शन दिखाने वाला ही नहीं मिल रहा था। accident हुआ सबने बोल दिया की ESI चले जानाI पर ESI में कहाँ doctor बैठते हैं क्या होता है ये सब मुझे नहीं पता था, लेकिन आप लोगों ने बताया।”
We are excited about the future and the positive impact our new head office cum Worker Assistance Center will have on the lives of injured workers.
Progress made by auto sector brands on their supply chain workers's safety?: Please check our blog on SafetyNiti’23.
Latest data on accidents in the top 10 auto sector supply chain in CRUSHED20202: link.
We are almost ready to release the 5th annual report - CRUSHED2013 - at our 4th Shramik Sammelan, where 1000+ workers and NGO partners will join us. We would be delighted to have you with us. Please RSVP at team@safeinindia.org
Join hands to save hands and join our Wall of Supporters: Please donate here.
Wishing you a joyful and safe Diwali from the entire Safe in India Team.
team@safeinindia.org
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