Problems and Difficulties While Working In Pulp & Paper Mill

There are various problems and difficulties being faced by the employees of Pulp & Paper Mill through the feedback of employees received from the questionnaire it was seen that the workers are facing much more problems with salary and safety issue.

Problems Related to Wages/Salary:

A worker works in an organization with the hope of getting wages or salaries in return to lead a happy and prosperous life. If employees are being provided with sufficient wages they work more effectively and efficiently to fulfil the organizational goal and be loyal to the organization.

To secure the welfare of the workers in the present competitive market, The Minimum Wages Act was passed in the year 1948, which ensures in fixation of minimum wages which an employee must get from his employer but because of Politics between management and employees problems can be as :

1. Short attendance shown by the supervisor or contractor results in deduction in total wages.
2. Sometimes it is observed that the supervisor or contractor cut their one or two day’s wages for their own benefit, while money receiving remains ok.
3. At some jobs there is no surety to get regular duty, many a time labour present themselves at duty but the contractor refuses to engage them by giving whatsoever reason.
4. Contractor may ask employees not to attend duty any day or days.
5. Transfer from one site to other site or one type of job to other type of job by the contractor makes it inconvenient for the workers.                                                     
6. The contract labour depends on minimum wages fixed and revised time to time by Government but in view of present market conditions it can be Concluded that life of these labours is very tough and problematic. These Minimum wages or the wages are paid at the will of contractor to the contract workers which are not even equal to the permanent worker of the same cadre.
7. No future security for permanent job is given to the contract labours. If contractor of the mill changes the workers are shifted to the new contractor. Any argument or discussion by the contract worker regarding their rights of job or against the any change in his job he may face various problems. Even he might be asked to quit the job.

Problems Related to Safety Needs:

Every worker wants to work in a safe and secure environment. As if he’ll be sure about his safety and security while working he will be able to concentrate properly in his work and in turn will be able to give his best to the organization.

Various problems face while using paper machines which are as: risk of injury to the eyes from particles or fragments thrown off in the course of process, or risk to the eyes by reason of exposure to excessive light.

1. Dust masks, goggles etc are provided to workers but it is not practical to wear dust mask continuously so many a times they work without them which affects their health.
2. The workers need soap, oil etc but no facility is available to clean their body and safeguard their skin.
3. Though the workers are provided with safety appliances but to maintain, store, clean or save them is very difficult to them.
4. Dust is the main problem being faced by the workers which causes various inhaling problems.
5. The worker sometime face problem due to their carelessness, overconfidence or disobedience habits.
6. Papermaking facilities use a wide range of chemicals, including some that are quite hazardous. You should have an understanding of the hazards associated with each chemical, and the necessary precautions to take when working with or near them. Always wear all required personal protective equipment when working with chemicals. Know the location of all showers and eyewash stations in your work area.

In addition it’s always a good idea to keep the following best safety practices in mind:

• Never work on or around a paper machine without proper operational and safety training.
• Always follow approved job procedures for each job task.
• Always prioritize your own personal safety above any job task; don’t work if a task is unsafe.
• Always assume responsibility not only for your own safety, but for the safety of everyone in the work area–remember safety is a group activity.
• Always ensure paper machines receive proper preventive maintenance on a routine basis.
• Make sure all non-preventive maintenance needs are addressed and corrected as soon as they are identified.
• Always use good housekeeping to limit unnecessary hazards in the work area.

List of Facilities should be provide to the employees are as :

1. Fix duty hours.
2. Payment for overtime.
3. Proper lightning and drinking water.
4. Number of urinals and latrines are maintained.
5. Card and register for attendance, wages etc which are being checked by the company staff from time to time.
6. Subsidized tea, snacks and breakfast.
7. Personal protective equipment’s being provided to each workman (helmets, goggles, ear plugs, safety belts, dust masks etc.)
8. Actual PF and ESL contribution deduction from contractor’s bills and proper management to deposit it to concern departments.
9. Checking and arranging payment in presence of company staff.
10. Bonus payment to contract labour.
11. Help in taking advance from PF.
12. Help in pension formalities.
13. The company staff helps the employees in getting ESI benefits and fulfilling the formalities required.
14. Medical consultancy at company dispensary free of cost.
15. Some wage increment at the time of tri yearly agreements with trade unions.
16. Awareness training to upkeep the general and safety knowledge is given by CPP staff.
17. Company working for community development by facilitating the people of surrounding in education, health, social and agricultural areas.