Construction Site in India – A Big Risk For Workers

India’s construction industry is the country’s second-largest employer and contributor to economic activity, after agriculture. According to government estimates, it grew by 80 percent in the last four years, from $78 billion in 2013 to approximately $140 billion this year. Thus, a construction site in India also possesses a high level of risk for workers.

But there is a darker side to this explosive growth. For all the big money involved, the sector has scant regard for the safety of those who work in its lowest rungs. Every year, accidents tend to cause hundreds of men and women workers to fall to their deaths.

Key Takeaways

• The Economic Paradox: While the construction industry is India’s second-largest employer, its rapid growth has outpaced safety infrastructure, leading to over 1,000 deaths in just a three-year window.

• The “Height” Hazard: Falling from height remains the single most lethal threat to Indian construction workers, accounting for the vast majority (60%) of site fatalities.

• Unauthorized Construction Risks: Deviating from sanctioned building plans (e.g., adding extra floors) significantly increases the risk of a total structural collapse, as seen in the Bellandur tragedy.

• Engineering Accountability: Skimping on technical basics like soil-bearing capacity tests and building code norms is a leading cause of multi-story collapses that result in mass casualties.

• Statutory Liability: When workers are buried under collapsed mud or falling structures, the contractor or owner is legally responsible for compensation. Without insurance, these “hassles” can lead to total financial ruin.

• The Insurance Solution: Given the “scant regard for safety” in the sector, a WC policy acts as a vital safety net that handles the financial aftermath of fatal and non-fatal injuries.

Additional Read: How do I buy a workmen’s compensation policy?

A total of 1,092 deaths and 377 workers were injured between 2013 and 2016. To sum up, the biggest reason for deaths were- 60% fell from a height. A quarter of all workers died from the collapse of a wall, or of the whole building. As a result, 15% died due to electrocution.

 Real-Life Examples of Construction Site Injuries & Deaths of Workers in India

• Deaths happened during the construction of Mumbai airport for two consecutive years (2013 and 2014), which killed a total of nine workers.
• In December last year, as the foundation of the building was being dug, loose mud collapsed and three workers were buried under it.
• Eight laborers from Odisha were injured after an under-construction three-story building partially collapsed in a tech park in Whitefield.
• In October 2016, a five-story building collapsed in Bellandur, killing six laborers and injuring many. Investigations revealed that the property owner had violated the sanctioned plan — which was for ground-plus-two floors – and built additional floors. Though the plot area is 1,900 sqft, the built-up area was 4,300 sqft. They had not tested the soil-bearing capacity properly. According to BBMP officials, when raising columns for the top floors, the property owner had not followed the building code norms.

Summary Table: High-Risk Factors in Indian Construction

To save yourself from financial losses arising from scenarios of accidents in your workplace, buy a workmen’s compensation insurance policy and stay hassle-free. At SecureNow, you can compare online insurance quotes and choose the right policy that suits your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. If my building collapse was caused by an unauthorized plan change, will the WC policy still pay?

A) Generally, a Workmen’s Compensation policy covers the statutory liability for the worker’s injury or death. However, if the collapse was due to gross illegal activity or a deliberate violation of the law by the owner, the insurance company may contest the claim or seek to recover costs. It is vital to always follow sanctioned plans.

2. Does the policy cover “Mud Collapse” during the foundation stage?

A) Yes. As seen in recent real-life examples, workers buried under loose mud during foundation digging are covered. The policy addresses death and injury claims arising “out of and in the course of employment,” which includes the early stages of excavation.

3. Why is electrocution such a high risk on Indian construction sites?

A) Construction sites often have temporary, exposed wiring and are frequently located near high-tension overhead lines. Combined with wet conditions and heavy machinery, this creates a high-risk environment for the 15% of workers who die from electric shocks.

4. Am I liable for deaths that happen at high-profile sites like airports?

A) Yes. Regardless of the size of the project—whether it’s a private home or a major international airport—the employer/contractor is legally responsible for every worker’s life under the Employees’ Compensation Act.

5. How does a WC policy help me stay “hassle-free”?

A) After a major accident, you will face labor court discussions, police investigations, and demands for compensation from families. The insurance policy manages the financial payout and often the legal defense costs, allowing you to handle the regulatory aspects without the immediate threat of a financial drain.

About The Author

Rahul Kumar 

MBA Finance

With a wealth of experience in the insurance industry, Rahul is a seasoned writer specializing in articles related to workmen compensation policies (WC policies) for SecureNow. With 12 years of experience in the field, he has acquired in-depth knowledge and expertise in workmen compensation insurance, understanding its complexities and nuances. Their insightful articles provide valuable insights into the importance of WC policies for businesses and employees alike, offering practical advice and guidance on navigating the intricacies of insurance coverage. Trust him to deliver informative and engaging content, backed by years of experience and a passion for educating readers about insurance-related topics.