The Dock Safety Division is also entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989 framed under the Environment(Protection) Act, 1986, in the port sector.

The main focus of the Dock Safety division is on:

• Administering the Dock Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare) Act,1986 and the Dock Workers(Safety, Health and Welfare)Regulations, 1990 framed there under involving administrative approval of decisions arising out of enforcement of the Statutes by the Chief Inspector of Dock Safety and fixing inspection priorities, etc. in all the eleven major ports.

• Proposing amendments to the existing Dock Safety Legislation.

• Enforcing the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989 framed thereunder and the Marking of Heavy Packages Act, 1951 and the Rules made there under.

• Planning & Policy making.

• Advisory services to the Port Authorities, Dock Labour Boards, Stevedores and other employers of dock workers.

• Organising international training programmes for port officials from developing countries.

• Publishing Annual Reports on the administration of the Dock Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare) Act, 1986 and the Regulations framed there under.

The enforcement function is carried out through the Eleven Inspectorates located at the major ports with their regional inspectorates in Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. These Inspectorates of Dock Safety are responsible for carrying out the following major activities.

Enforcement

• Inspection of ships, docks, loose gear, lifting appliances, transport equipment etc.

• Investigation of accidents.

• Launching of prosecutions.

Training

• Carrying out safety studies and surveys through a multi-disciplinary approach.

• Organising and conducting training courses on occupational safety and health.

Advisory Services

Rendering Technical Advice to:

• The port authorities.

• Other employers of dock workers.

• Port Users.

Safety Promotional activities

• Organising/participating in safety promotional activities such as celebration of Dock Safety Weeks.

• Functioning as representatives of the Chief Inspector of Dock Safety on the Dock Safety Committees at ports.