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Watched the series ‘The Railways Men’ on Netflix. The series is inspired by the true events of the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster 1984. A highly toxic gas, MIC (Methyl Isocyanate), was accidently released in open air. The fictional story highlights the following shortcomings: 1. Lack of disaster preparedness - The factory workers, DM, Railways, Police, etc., were not prepared for a disaster of this scale. There were no proper drills or training sessions conducted to handle such emergencies. Suggestion: Regular disaster preparedness drills and training sessions should be mandatory for all employees and emergency responders. 2. Lack of accountability of business - The business had no fear of law or moral responsibility towards the people affected around. There was a significant gap in enforcing corporate responsibility and ethical practices. Suggestion: Stricter laws and regulations should be enforced to ensure businesses are held accountable for their actions and the safety of the surrounding communities. 3. Communication failure in Railways - Repair of communication lines wasn’t prioritized to safeguard people’s lives. This led to a delay in coordinating rescue operations and providing timely information to the public. Suggestion: Establish a robust communication infrastructure with regular maintenance checks to ensure it remains functional during emergencies. 4. Failure to evacuate people from disaster-prone areas - The government’s inaction and delay in evacuating people. The action was reactive and delayed. It wasn’t proactive. This resulted in a higher number of casualties and prolonged exposure to the toxic gas. Suggestion: Develop and implement a proactive evacuation plan that can be quickly activated in case of emergencies, with clear roles and responsibilities for all involved parties. 5. Safety lapses at hazardous factory - Safety wasn’t the first priority; profit motive was the priority. The factory lacked essential safety measures and protocols to prevent such disasters. Suggestion: Prioritize safety over profits by implementing stringent safety protocols and regular inspections to ensure compliance. 6. Lack of awareness amongst people - People knew that gas stored in Union Carbide was hazardous. Yet they didn’t educate themselves with precautions required in case of a disaster. This lack of awareness contributed to the panic and chaos during the disaster. Suggestion: Conduct regular awareness programs and distribute educational materials to inform the public about potential hazards and safety measures. 7. Hazardous factory constructed in a populated area - Authorities allowed the operation of a hazardous factory in a populated area. This could have been avoided. The proximity of the factory to residential areas increased the risk and impact of the disaster. Suggestion: Implement strict zoning laws to ensure hazardous industries are located away from populated areas to minimize risk.

Key compliances under Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment Act, 2013 : Applicability: The POSH Act applies to companies, workspaces, and establishments employing ten or more individuals, including full-time employees, part-timers, interns, and contract workers. Workplace includes all the places where employees visit for work e.g. offsite or travel locations. 1. Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): Employers must form an ICC to address sexual harassment issues. The committee includes a presiding officer, internal members, and an external member- a lawyer, or from NGOs or women's welfare associations. 2. POSH Policy: Organizations must develop a comprehensive Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) policy, clearly stating its objective to prevent and address sexual harassment at the workplace . 3. Awareness Programs: Employers should conduct regular awareness programs and training sessions for employees to educate them about their rights, the complaint process, and preventive measures. 4. Complaint Mechanism: Employers must establish a confidential complaint mechanism for reporting incidents of sexual harassment. This includes providing a designated email address or helpline number. 5. Timely Resolution: The ICC must resolve complaints within 90 days, ensuring a fair and impartial inquiry. If found guilty, appropriate action should be taken against the harasser. 6. Annual Reporting: Organizations are required to submit an annual report to the government, detailing the number of complaints received, actions taken, and preventive measures implemented. If you face any trouble in complying with the law, feel free to reach out for professional help. We have team of experts who will navigate you through the compliance conundrum. Don't forget to join our WhatsApp group for more legal updates: https://lnkd.in/dC2t4Jrp