I am a construction worker in Dindigul and fell from scaffolding, what compensation and safety measures am I entitled to?

Detailed Legal Analysis

Construction workers are protected under the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996, and the Tamil Nadu Rent Control Act 1960 rules framed by your state. The employer and the contractor must provide safety helmets, harnesses, and scaffolding conforming to national standards, and failure to do so is a punishable offence.

You are entitled to compensation under the Employees' Compensation Act, 1923, for injuries sustained in the course of employment in Dindigul. The Madras High Court has held that construction workers also benefit from the state Welfare Board, which provides medical aid, disability pension, and maternity benefits.

You must register as a beneficiary with the state Building and Construction Workers Welfare Board. The employer must report accidents to the Inspector within the prescribed time.