Background:
India’s automobile sector workers face high rates of workplace accidents, often leading to disability, death, and illness. These incidents not only put livelihoods at risk but also contribute to an estimated 4% loss in GDP.
Despite being entitled to social security benefits, many workers face barriers in registering with the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), limiting their access to free healthcare services and social protection.
Change Alliance, in collaboration with Safe in India, has conducted the Safety Index and ESIC Index Survey across five key states – Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka – covering 1,200 auto-sector workers.

Objective of the Study:
The Safety Index and ESIC Index Survey aim to comprehensively evaluate:

• Workplace safety conditions and practices.
• Workers’ access to ESIC benefits and services in automobile part manufacturing factories across selected geographies.

Index Overview:

• Safety Index – Compares occupational safety and health standards across geographies among auto sector workers.
• ESIC Index – Evaluates the effectiveness of ESIC benefits and services among ESI-insured workers.

Expected Outcomes:

• Development of targeted strategies to enhance workplace safety in automobile manufacturing units, thereby reducing accidents, illnesses, and fatalities.
• Formulation of policy recommendations to promote safe and fair working conditions in the auto manufacturing supply chain.
• Strengthening workers’ access to ESIC benefits and ensuring greater utilization of available social security services.