Worker Safety In India’s Firework Industry
- IJLLR Journal
- 6 hours ago
- 1 min read
Siddhi Pawar, B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai
ABSTRACT
The firework industry remains one of the most hazardous sectors of employment in India. While it provides livelihood to thousands of workers, the frequency of factory explosions and fire accidents raises serious concerns about workplace safety. This study examines whether the existing legal and regulatory framework is effective in protecting workers engaged in firework manufacturing.
The research analyses key legislations governing the industry, including the Explosives Act, 1884, the Factories Act, 1948, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. It evaluates how these laws address safety obligations, licensing requirements, and employer responsibility. Judicial decisions of the Supreme Court, High Courts, and the National Green Tribunal are examined to understand the courts’ approach towards liability, compensation, and enforcement in cases of industrial accidents.
The study also relies on recent firework factory accidents as case studies to highlight recurring patterns of non-compliance, weak inspections, and regulatory failure. The findings indicate that the primary concern is not the absence of legal provisions, but their ineffective implementation, especially in small-scale and informal units. Workers continue to face risks due to lack of training, inadequate safety equipment, and economic vulnerability. The paper concludes that improving safety in the firework industry requires stricter enforcement, regular inspections, worker awareness, and stronger accountability mechanisms. Legal reform must be supported by effective administrative action to prevent avoidable loss of life.
Keywords: Firework industry, Worker safety, Explosives Act, Industrial accidents, Labour law.
