Who We Are
Occupational Safety and Health Association of Jharkhand (OSHAJ) — the name itself marks the foundation stone of an organization dedicated to constant endeavor for the socially and educationally marginalized and underprivileged sections of society.
OSHAJ’s formation is an authentic saga of commitment to serve society through welfare measures, rights-based interventions, social security, human rights advocacy, sustainable production, and development processes rooted in equity and justice.
Since February 2003, OSHAJ has been addressing critical issues such as Roro asbestos, Ramming Mass (quartz grinding) that causes acute and accelerated silicosis, Blue Metal crushing hazards, and other acute occupational dangers. Today, the organization is recognized as OSHAJ INDIA — a trusted brand in occupational safety and health.
Our Genesis
Tragic deaths of miners and workers of Roro asbestos mines, ramming mass (a mixture of fine silica powder and granules) units, and Blue Metal (Basalt & Granite) crushing industries — due to incurable occupational lung diseases — along with accidental deaths of construction workers, raised fundamental questions before humanity and development.
The misery and suffering of millions of children in Jharkhand’s mining and industrial areas — caused by the premature death of their earning parents — shattered the hearts of local activists. They felt an urgent need to protect the environment, ensure occupational safety and health, and secure human rights of workmen — all essential for child growth and social security of workmen’s families.
In these circumstances, Late Sailesh Kumar Carr, an aircraft mechanic, encouraged activists to form the Occupational Safety & Health Association of Jharkhand (OSHAJ).
The Founding Days
On 24th November 2003, a seven-member committee was formed to lay the foundation of OSHAJ. However, no doctor or chest specialist was ready to accept the post of President at that time.
In 2004, Dr. Tapan Kumar Mohanty, then Medical Superintendent of Hindustan Copper Hospital, attended an OSHAJ meeting and expressed his willingness to join after taking Voluntary Retirement Service (VRS) from his position.
In March 2007, OSHAJ organized a workshop where Dr. Mohanty gave his consent to become the President. The registration process was initiated — but soon after, Dr. Mohanty informed that he was suffering from a cardiac ailment and would not be able to take up the responsibility.
Undeterred, OSHAJ continued its search for a doctor who would lead the organization. Dr. Himangsu Sekhar Paul kindly agreed to take on the role of President. Thereafter, a fresh registration process was initiated.
Finally, on 8th October 2007, OSHAJ was officially registered under the Society Registration Act 21 of 1860.
📅 A Note on Our Founding Date:
OSHAJ was founded on 24th November 2003 — the day the seven-member committee was formed. However, our team had already begun working from June 2003. The organization was officially registered on 8th October 2007.
Our Journey
OSHAJ began its grassroots work from June 2003, even before formal registration. The seven-member committee formed on 24th November 2003 gave shape to the organization’s vision.
Gradually, OSHAJ gathered momentum, mobilizing activities on Roro asbestos, silicosis, Blue Metal crushing hazards, and workplace safety issues in Jharkhand and West Bengal.
By May 2005, pollution caused by sponge iron plants became a serious concern, and OSHAJ stepped in to address it.
On 8th October 2007 — the day of official registration — OSHAJ began a landmark initiative by filing a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for the social security of silicosis-affected workers and their families, most of whom are women and children.
Our Impact (At a Glance)
- Over ₹15 crore secured as compensation for workers in Jharkhand and West Bengal
- ₹1.5 crore raised from donors over a decade for silicosis patient treatment
- State Action Plan for Prevention and Mitigation of Silicosis endorsed by Government of Jharkhand
- Amendments to state rules under Factories Act, 1948 bringing silica dust units under hazardous process category
- OSHAJ India became instrumental in developing:
- Karkhana Silicosis Labhuk Sahayata Yojna (Factory Silicosis Victim Assistance Scheme) – Government of Jharkhand
- Silicosis Relief & Rehabilitation Policy – Government of West Bengal (2021)
Our Vision
OSHAJ INDIA envisions a just, equitable, humane, and sustainable society where:
- Children grow up safe, educated, and free from the shadow of occupational diseases;
- Women, working people, and downtrodden communities enjoy livelihood security and social security;
- Occupational safety, health rights, and environmental protection are non-negotiable;
- Production and development processes are ethical, inclusive, and respectful of human dignity.
Our Mission
OSHAJ INDIA believes that no child should become an orphan because their parent died from a preventable occupational disease. We have seen too many children lose their future due to unsafe workplaces. For us, life comes first — profit comes after.
Therefore, our mission is to create safe, healthy, and humane workplaces where no earning parent has to die prematurely. We achieve this by advocating for a strong Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) culture at every workplace — because a safe workplace means a living parent, and a living parent means a child with a future.
Our Core Mission Objectives:
- Implement social security provisions for children, women, and workmen.
- Undertake livelihood generation programs for children, women, and workmen.
- Promote multi-disciplinary upliftment of children, women, and workmen.
- Conduct identification, counseling, relief, and rehabilitation of occupational safety and health (OSH) victims.
- Empower communities for social and developmental entrepreneurship and livelihood support.
- Create awareness through education and organize information-sharing programs.
- Provide legal awareness and access to justice for marginalized communities.
- Conduct study, research, and documentation on OSH, child rights, and social security.
- Undertake policy advocacy and networking for systemic change.
- Develop and promote a strong occupational safety culture at workplaces — ensuring safety is not just a rule, but a shared value, because life is first and profit is next.
- Form stakeholders’ committees to strengthen local participation.
Give a Child a Future, Not Just a Memory
When a parent falls sick due to silicosis or an occupational disease, the child suffers most — silently, invisibly, irreversibly.
At OSHAJ INDIA, we have seen children drop out of school to care for ailing parents. We have seen young girls forced into early labor. We have seen dreams crushed before they could even take flight.
Your support can help us protect children in three powerful ways:
- 🧸 Education support – Keep children in school, not on the streets or in factories
- 🩺 Healthcare for parents – A healthier parent means a safer, more stable home for a child
- ⚖️ Legal aid & faster compensation – So families don’t wait years while children go hungry
Sponsor a child’s hope today. Because no child should lose their future to a preventable disease.