hero cycle project

HERO-There is always a better way Hero", the brand name symbolizing the steely ambition of the Munjal brothers, came into being in the year 1956. From a modest manufacturer of bicycle components in the early 1940's to the world's largest bicycle manufacturer today, the odyssey was fueled by one vision - to build longlasting relationships with everyone, including workers, dealers and vendors. This philosophy has paid rich dividends through the years. Hero, a name synonymous with two wheelers in India is today a multi-unit, multi-product, geographically diversified Group of companies. Through fully integrated operations, the Munjals roll their own steel, make critical components such as free wheels for their bicycles, and have the foresight to simultaneously diversify into myriad ventures, like product designing, IT enabled services, finance and insurance, just to name a few. Like every success story, Hero's saga contains an element of spirit and enterprise; of achievement through grit and determination, coupled with vision and meticulous planning. Throughout its success trail, the Hero Group and its members have displayed unwavering passion of setting higher standards for themselves and delivering simply the best to their customers. The Hero Group philosophy is: "To provide excellent transportation to the common man at easily affordable prices and to provide total satisfaction in all its spheres of activity." Thus apart from being customer-centric, the Hero Group also provides its employees with a fine quality of life and its business associates with a total sense of belonging. "Engineering Satisfaction" is the prime motive of the Hero Group and it has become a way of life and a part of the work culture of the Group. This is what drives the Group to seek newer vistas, adopt faster technology and create quality driven products to the utmost satisfaction of customers, partners, dealers and vendors. Today the Hero Group has a number of accolades and achievements to its credit … yet consumer requirements and newer technologies provide fresh challenges every day, and at Hero the wheels of progress continue to turn...

Vision "We, at the Hero Group are continuously striving for synergy between technology, systems and human resources to provide products and services that meet the quality, performance, and price aspirations of the customers. While doing so, we maintain the highest standards of ethics and societal responsibilities, constantly innovate products and processes, and develop teams that keeps the momentum going to take the group to excellence in everything we do." Mission "It’s our mission to strive for synergy between technology, systems and human resources, to produce products and services that meet the quality, performance and price aspirations of our customers. While doing so, we maintain the highest standards of ethics and societal responsibilities. Values Customer Focus: We believe in walking the extra mile in delivering quality to meet the customers' expectations, both expressed and implied. We do this for both external and internal customers. Innovation and Agility: We continuously seek ways to improve our services and processes, anticipating changes and responding proactively. Individual Dignity and Team Work: We treat people with dignity, care for our colleagues, collaborate without boundaries and contribute wherever we can. Ethics and Integrity: We are fair in our dealings, respect the law of the land and follow the highest level of intellectual, moral, financial and professional conduct.

Hero Group Companies Hero Group ranks amongst the Top 10 Indian Business Houses comprising 18 companies, with an estimated turnover of US$1.8 billion during the fiscal year 2003-2004.

HISTORY Hero Cycles is a product of this philosophy. The philosophy that installs commitment, team work and foresight. Hero’s colossal journey started before independence. The four Munjal brothers,

hailing from a small town called Kamalia, now in Pakistan, are the men who are behind the mission. Brotherhood apart, what knit the men together was the wealth of will, integrity, ambition & determination. In the year 1944, they decided to start a business of bicycle spare parts in Amritsar. It is modest beginning and the next 3 years saw the business grow rapidly.

But the dark clouds of partition eclipsed their plans of the future. With renewed vigour and optimism, the operational base was shifted to Ludhiana. By 1956, the brothers had began manufacturing key components of bicycles and as a logical way forward, began to assemble the entire cycle at their manufacturing plant in Ludhiana. In the early days, the plant had a capacity for 25 cycles per day. Over the next few years, the Bicycle Unit started growing in stature and size, attracting skilled engineers, technocrats, administrators and entrepreneurs. From a modest beginning of mere 639 bicycles in the year 1956, Hero Cycles produced over 18500 cycles a day today, the highest in global reckoning. With the 48% share of the Indian market, this volume has catapulted Hero in the ‘Guinness Books of World Records’ in 1986 and edge over global players is being maintained. A tiny acorn has now become a mighty Oak. From cycle to two - wheelers were a natural step, and the Hero Group came into being. The Hero Group, today, is a vast conglomerate of companies, either in the form of collaborations, joint ventures or fully owned subsidiaries, with more than Rs. 10000 Crore turnover annually. Hero Group, besides being the world’s largest

manufacturers of bicycles, motorcycles and chains to this date, has diversified into newer segments like Information Technology, IT Enabled Services and Financial Services.

Hero-Group The Hero Group has done business differently right from the inception and that is what has helped us to achieve break-through in whatever product category we have ventured in. The Group's low key, but focused, style of management has earned dealers, as also worldwide recognition. The growth of the Group through the years has been influenced by the number of factors: The Hero Group through the Hero Cycles Division was the first to introduce the concept of justin-time inventory. The Group boasts of superb operational efficiencies. Every assembly line worker operates two machines simultaneously to save time and improve productivity. The fact that most of the machines are either developed or fabricated in-house, has resulted in low inventory levels. In Hero Cycles Limited, the just-in-time inventory principle has been working since the beginning of production in the unit and is functional even till date. The vendors bring in the raw material and by the end of the day the finished product is rolled out of the factory. This is the Japanese style of production and in India; Hero i\s the first company to have mastered the art of the just-in-time inventory principle.

Social Responsibilities

The company has fulfilled its social obligation, charged with their mission nationalistic fervor, the Hero Group has always been actively involved in Social and

Medicare activities, such as providing medical facilities for the under privileged. Hospitals, Heart Research Foundation and Mobile Medical Vans help to fulfill this objective. Hero also runs schools and colleges, maintains parks and public facilities.

Global Gearing Heroes moving the Globe

Today Hero Cycles is one of the handful companies in India which can boast of the global scale of operations, not just in size or superior technology, but also its innovative marketing strategies. True to its leadership stature, Hero has not only achieved a volume of production that can be matched by no other cycle manufacturer in the world, but has also started exporting bicycles to countries like US, Germany and Japan, which is a manifestation of Hero’s quality and marketing capability. Hero’s forays into the overseas markets pioneered the Indian export in bicycle segment as early as 1963. While initial exports were restricted to the Africa and the Middle-East, today more than 50% bicycle exports meet the demands of sophisticated markets in Europe and America. Indeed, to dare to explode from a small town of Ludhiana to world’s best and household name in 89 countries. This Super Brand has still a long way to go but there is no hurdle too big and no accomplishment permanent as this super brand thrives on the philosophy that Heroes in the market-place are the ones, who forge strong relationship by being relevant, constant and persistent, ...the True Heroes - in spirit and in form.

Hero Group - Marketing Strategy A thorough understanding of the fast-changing consumer behaviour, new market segments and product opportunities along with sensitivity to changing customer needs, form the core of Hero's marketing-strategy. At Hero we essentially have a completely customer-driven approach. A nation-wide dealer network comprising of over 3,500 bicycle dealers, 350 dealers for mopeds and 225 franchise holders for motorcycles, ensures convenient access to the Group's products across the country. With a deep sense of belonging to the Hero fraternity, the Group's dealer network has catalysed growth and acted as a strong bridge between the customers and the Group. Conventionally, very few Indian bicycle manufacturers were interested in exports. However, the Hero Group's foray into the overseas markets pioneered Indian exports in the bicycle segment as early as 1963. It was a move prompted primarily by the need to be attuned to the global marketplace. While initial exports were restricted to Africa and the Middle East, today more than 50 percent

of the Group's bicycle exports meet the demands of sophisticated markets in Europe and America. This is primarily because of appropriate product development and excellent quality that Hero offers.

The Driving Force - Chairman

Dr.Brijmohan Lall Munjal, patriarch of the US$ 3.19 billion Hero Group was born in 1923, in what is now Pakistan. After partition, the Munjal brothers started a small business of manufacturing bicycle components in Ludhiana in North India in the face of the bottlenecks of industrial infrastructure and investments. Dr Lall led a small time manufacturer of 60 cycles a day to become a manufacturing giant, which churns out not only over 17,000 cycles per day but is also diversified into various domains. Undoubtedly, Dr.Lall is a first generation business entrepreneur of the 1950s'. Dr.Lall has received various accolades and awards for his immense contribution to the Indian industry. He was adjudged Businessman of the Year in 1994 by a leading business magazine Business India. In 1995, Dr.Lall received the National Award for outstanding contribution to the Development of Indian Small Scale Industry. (NSIC award - presented by the President of India) In 1999, the Business Baron recognized him as the "Most Admired CEO." The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented him with the Distinguished Entrepreneurship

Award

in

1997,

in

recognition

of

his

outstanding

exemplary

entrepreneurship. The Government Of India honoured him with the prestigious " Padma Bhushan"in March 2005 for his contribution to Trade and Industry

Dr.Lall has made an unfailing commitment of his time, energy and resources to strive for the upliftment of the communities and villages around the Group's manufacturing units. He has encouraged the setting up of numerous medical, educational and infrastructure facilities. Amongst his notable contributions to his adoptive city, Ludhiana, are the Ludhiana Stock Exchange, the Ludhiana Aviation Club - of which he is still the president - and the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital.

Global Gearing - Alliances

Over the years, Hero Group has strengthened its joint ventures, forged profitable relationships with its partners and allied itself with some of the best players in the market. Technology assimilation through wide sourcing has been and will continue to be an integral part of the progression of the Hero Group.

Technology Related Partnerships/ Alliances and Joint Ventures •

Munjal Auto Industries Limited has a joint venture with the State-owned Gujarat Industrial Investment Corporation, to cater to the needs of the overseas market.

•

Hero Cycles CR Division was set up in consultation with MECON, Asia's largest engineering consultants and in Technical Collaboration with Wean United, USA.

•

Hero Cycles Cold Rolling Division has also entered into a technical collaboration with Kawasaki Steel Corporation, Japan for the improvement of production yield, elimination of defects, reduction of customer returns and enhancement of maintenance operations against certain predetermined targets.

Global Gearing > Exports HERO CYCLES HERO HONDA MOTORS HERO MOTORS HERO CORPORATE SERVICE LIMITED (Hero Mindmine, Munjal eSystems, NsurePlus) HERO MANAGMENT SERVICE LIMITED(HERO ITES) MUNJAL SHOWA LIMITED

As early as in the 1960s' very few Indian bicycle manufacturers were interested in exports. However, the Hero Group's foray into the overseas markets in 1963 pioneered Indian exports in the bicycle segment. It was a move prompted essentially by the need to remain attuned to the global-market. While initial exports were restricted to Africa and the Middle East, today more than 50 percent of the exports from Hero Cycles Limited meet the demands of sophisticated markets in Europe and America. This is primarily because of appropriate product development and excellent quality that Hero offers. The Group has been continuously upgrading technology and has set up special units - like Gujarat Cycles Limited (now Munjal Auto Industries Limited), to meet international quality standards. Munjal Auto Industries Limited has state-of-the-art equipments imported from Europe and Taiwan. The unit is designed to match international standards and is an Export Oriented Unit (EOU). Its products are supplied to the International Markets of developed countries like United Kingdom, Germany, France etc.

Voluntary Welfare Activities at Hero Cycles

Apart from statuary welfare measures there are certain voluntary welfare amenities and services provided to the employees of the Hero Cycles such as-

Education Facilities Education Facilities plays a vital role in motivating and enabling the working population for changes necessary for accelerated progress and for their mental and physical development. Improvement in the quality of the industrial work force demands accelerated economic development for which education of the workers, their families and children is very essential. So Hero Cycles have opened two schools to provide education to the children of their employees and also as part of their social responsibility.

Medical Facilities The management of Hero Cycles provides medical facilities for their workers and their families even before the introduction of E.S.I scheme. Besides general medical treatment and health care, separate arrangements for specialist treatment like T.B, cancer and mental disease have also been made. The organization has also tied up with hospitals like D.M.C. and C.M.C, Apollo, Hero Heart etc. to take care of the health of the employees.

Recreational facilities Recreational activities have an important bearing on the individual personality. In Indian organizations these facilities have been provided in more than one way, statutorily, voluntarily and also by different social welfare agencies, it also helps in creating the healthy working environment in industrial peace and progress. So, annual day is being celebrated every year in the factory to enhance the motivation level of the workers.

Housing Facilities Hero also provides housing facilities to their employees at executive level. The employees who are provided accommodation are paid rent allowance at some of the places.

Consumer Co-operative Societies

The institution of co-operative stores, fair price shops have a definite role to play in providing workers with essential item of the need. It protects the workers from vagaries of the market and the middleman and from rising prices and adulteration of the food products. Hero fair price shop is maintained by the organization for its workers.

Healthcare Raman Munjal Memorial Hospital is a 100-bed hospital with a well-equipped laboratory, a fully functional operation theatre, an outpatient department as well as a casualty section. A fully equipped mobile clinic provides comprehensive health care to the rural masses in Dharuhera. The medical centre on the factory premises of the Group Companies is open for the sub-urban and rural communities of the surrounding areas. The medical centre is also equipped to provide First Aid and ambulance facility for road accident victims. Other efforts, under the auspices of Hero Cycles Limited include: Eye Camps: With over 15,000 patients examined and about 1700 cataract operations performed so far, these Eye Camps have also aided patients with free accommodation, food and medicines. Family Planning Camps: Held since 1993 at the Civil Hospital, Rewari and Bawal, these camps offer

monetary

incentives

to

the

masses

to

adopt

family

planning

measures.

Blood Donations Camps: These camps are being organized on a regular basis since 1992. 464 units have been donated to Indian Red Cross Society in the last camps. ENT Check up Camps: Conducted by specialists from AIIMS, these camps have been organized since November 1997 Heart Check-up Camps: Since July 1988, free camps are being organized in collaboration with Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, where specialized diagnosis methods like Echocardiography and ECG are used. Rehabilitation Camps: Conducted with the assistance of the District Rehabilitation Centre, Red Cross Society, Rewari, these camps help physically challenged villagers to rehabilitate and re-

employ themselves. Many patients have found a new lease of life on account of the physical aids given to them.

Statutory Safety Provisions at Hero Cycles Limited Fencing of Machinery In Hero Cycles Limited the following, has been done properly•

Every part of an electric generator, a motor or rotary converter

•

Every part of transmission machinery

•

Every dangerous part of any other machinery

Employment of young person’s on dangerous machines No young person is allowed to work at machine to which unless he has been fully instructed as to the dangers arising in connection with machine and the precautions to be observed and has received sufficient training in work at the machine, or under adequate supervision by a person who has a thorough knowledge and experience of the machine

Self-acting machines No traversing part of a self acting machine in hero cycles and no material carried are allowed if the space over which any person is liable to pass, whether in the course of his employment or otherwise, be allowed to run on its outwards or inward traverse within form any fixed structure which is not part of a machine.

Hoists and Lifts In Hero Cycles every hoist and lift ifs of good mechanical construction, sound material and adequate strength, properly maintained, and is thoroughly examined by a competent person at least once in every six months, and a maintained containing the prescribed particulars of every such examination.

Lifting Machine, Chains, Ropes and Lifting Tackles

In Hero Cycles Limited the following provisions is compiled within respect of every lifting machine and every chain, ropes and lifting tackles for the purpose of raising or lowering person, goods, material all parts including the working gear, whether fixed or moveable of every lifting machine and every chain, rope or lifting tackles are in; a) of good construction, sound material and adequate strength and free from defects b) Properly maintained

Pressure Plant a) At Hero Cycles any plant or machinery or any part thereof is operated at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, effective measures are taken to ensure that the safe working pressure of such plant or machinery is not exceeded. b) The Sate Government Has made rules providing for the examination and testing of any plant and machinery which are being followed by the Hero Cycles. The testing is done in every six months.

Floors, Stairs and Activities at means of access In Hero Cycles Limited all Floor, steps, stairs, passages and gangways are of sound construction and properly maintained and where it is necessary safety, steps and stairs passages are properly provided with substantial handrails.

Excessive weights No person employed in factory is allowed to lift carry or move any load so heavy as to be likely to cause him injury.

Protection of Eyes In respect of any such manufacturing process carried on in factory effective screens or suitable goggles, helmets are provided for the protection of persons employed.

Precautions against dangerous fumes, gases etc. No person is required or allowed to enter any chamber, tank, vat, pit, pipe or other confined space in factory in which any gas fume, vapors or dust is likely to be present to such an extent as to involve risk to person being overcome thereby, unless it is provided with a manhole off adequate size or other effective means.

Explosive or inflammable dust or gas etc.

In factory, any manufacturing process which produces dust, gas, fume or vapors of such character and to such extent as to be likely to explode to ignition, all practicable measures are taken to prevent any such explosion bya. Effective enclosure of the plant or machinery used in the process. b. Removal or prevention of the accumulation if such dust, gas, fume or vapor. c. Exclusion or effective enclosure of all possible sources of ignition. Precautions in case of fire Ion factory, all practicable measures are taken to prevent outbreak of fire and spread, both internally and externally, and to provide and maintain, safe means of escape for all persons in the event of a fire, and the necessary equipment and facilities for extinguishing fire. Effective measures are taken to endure that all the workers are familiar with the means of escape in case of fire and have been adequately trained in the routine to be followed in such cases.

Maintenance of buildings Proper maintenance of building done from time to time so that in any condition to lead to conditions detrimental and welfare of the workers, dose not arises.

AN INTRODUCTION OF WELFARE MEASURES

DEFINITION:The oxford Dictionary defines labour welfare as effort to make life worth living for workers the voluntary efforts of the employers to establish within the existing industrial system, working and sometimes living and culture conditions of employees beyond what is required by law and customs of the industry and conditions of the market. Welfare works covers all the efforts which employers make for benefit of their employees over and above the minimum standards of working conditions fixed by the factories Act and over and above the provisions of social legislators providing against old age, unemployment and sickness.

4.1

WELFARE

Sections 42 to 50 of the act, which deal with the facilities for the welfare of the workman in a factory, are as follows:  Washing Facilities(Section 42) In every factory:•

Adequate and suitable facilities for washing shall be provided and maintained for the use of the workers therein;

•

Separate and adequately screened facilities shall be provide for the use male and female workers;

•

Such facilities shall be conveniently accessible and shall be kept clean.

 Facilities for storing and Drying clothes(Section 43) The state Government may, in respect of ant factory or class or description of factories, make rules requiring the provision therein of suitable places for keeping clothing not worn during working hours and for the drying of wet clothing.

 Facilities for Sitting (Section 44)

In every factory suitable arrangements for sitting shall be provided and maintained for all workers obliged to work in a standing position, in order that they may take advantage of any opportunities for rest which may occur in a course of their week.  First Aid Appliances (Section 45) There shall in every factory b provided and maintained so as to be readily accessible during all working hours First –Aid boxes or cupboards equipped with the prescribed contents, and the number of such boxes or cupboards to be provided and maintained shall not be less than one for every one hundred and fifty workers ordinarily employed at any one time in a factory. In every wherein more than five hundred workers are employed there shall be provided and maintained an ambulance room of prescribed equipment and in the charge of such medical and nursing staff as may be prescribed and those facilities shall always be available during the working hours of the factory.  Canteens(Section 46) The State Government may make rules requiring that in any specified factory wherein more than fifty workers are employed, a canteen or canteens shall be provided and maintained by the occupier for the use of the workers.  Shelters, Rest rooms and Lunch Room(Section 47) In every factory wherein more than thirty women workers are employed, adequate and suitable shelters, rest rooms and a suitable lunch room, with provision for drinking water, where workers can eat meals brought by them, shall be provided and maintained for the use of workers. Provided that any canteen maintained in accordance with the provisions of section 46 shall be regarded as a part of the requirements of this sub section: provided further that where a lunch room exist no workers shall eat any food in the work room.

 Crèches (Section 48) In every factory wherein more than thirty women workers are employed there

shall be

provided and maintained a suitable room for the use of children under the age of 6 years of such women. Such rooms shall be provide adequate accommodation shall be adequately lighted and ventilated, shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and shall be under the charge of women trained in the care of children and infants.  Welfare Officers(section 49) In every factory wherein five hundred or more workers are ordinarily employed the occupiers shall employ in the factory such number of welfare officers as may be prescribed. The State Govt. may prescribe the duties, qualifications and conditions of service of officers employed.  Power to make Rules for Welfare of Workers (Section 50) Section 50 of employers to the State Government to make Rules; 1.

Exempting, subject to compliance with such alternatives arrangements for the welfare of workers as may be prescribed, any factory or class of description of factories from the compliance with any of the provision of this chapter.

2. Requiring in any factory or class or description of factories that representatives of the workers employed in the factory shall be associated with the management of the welfare arrangements of the workers.

WELFARE MEASURES PROVIDED BY HERO CYCLES

The various welfare measures provided at Hero Cycles Ludhiana are specified below: Washing Facility: The Company has provided proper wash rooms to the workers who are working at different shift hours. There are 10 wash rooms for every 100 workers in the company. They ensure to provide clean and hygiene working conditions in the company so that workers can put their full effort in all areas. Canteen Facility: Workers are provided with a separate canteen, where they have their lunch and other refreshments. There are 1500 workers working in the company and in among the two shifts there are nearly 700 employees so the area of canteen has to be big. Considering this point the canteen provided to them is big in size with the sitting capacity of nearly 800 employees. Canteen prices are also cheap and completely affordable. Tea is provided at Rs 20 paisa to the workers and lunch plate worth Rs 8 which include 2 chappati’s, rice and 1 dal and 1 sabji. Rest Rooms: Proper rest rooms are provided so that the workers can get rest during the break of 45 mins they get. Doctor: Every organization with more than 500 employees need to appoint an MBBS doctor, same is being done by hero cycles. They have a permanent MBBS Doctor so that if any accident occurs immediate treatment could be provided. Dispensary: A fully fledged dispensary with a team of 4 medical staff members is there in the company and an ambulance is available around the clock. Health &Safety officer: Health and safety officer acts as an adviser to management on the latest legal obligations, ensuring the standard of safety is up to the latest regulatory standards. The officer also imparts advice to others through training and discussion, as well as creating company policies that deal with health and safety, such as evacuation procedures.

India's Most Admired Business Houses

Ranking

Business house

1

Reliance

2

Wipro

3

Tata

4

Aditya Vikram Birla

5

Bajaj

6

Godrej

7

HERO

8

Ranbaxy

9

Bharti Mahindra

10

• To study the safety facilities provided by the company. • To study the welfare facilities provided to the workers in the company. • To suggest some safety measures to improve conditions of working. • To find various welfare facilities this can help to motivate workers at work. • To find the improvement areas to improve working conditions. • To understand the needs for safety and welfare facilities in a company

•

Adriana Rebaza-Flores (Feb. 1987) stated that Occupational health is part of the individual's health within the human groups of the society, and is known following whose criteria as physical, mental and social welfare. It is also the result of the occupational risks to which the worker is exposed. It is in the field of occupational health that the theme of occupational safety finds its place. And occupational safety has as its objective

the prevention of workplace accidents, which are in turn conditioned by the occupational risks that depend on human and physical causes: radiation, chemical contamination, harmful work habits, unsafe work conditions, and so on. •

Solarski, Ralph (Oct 1999), stated that When plants run at peak capacity, there is less downtime devoted to preventive maintenance and housekeeping. But poor housekeeping creates a bad impression among employees and visitors. It can also lead to safety problems and lost productivity. Even in fast-paced manufacturing environments, however, there are measures you can take to maintain a clean, safe, productive workplace.

•

Jim Staller (July 13, 2005) states that Industrial safety is important for all employees on a daily basis and working in an area without safety awareness may result in serious bodily harm or possibly even death. Industrial safety is a key factor in running a company and there are many aspects to consider when providing overall safety for your employees. It must be ensured that employees have special equipment and procedures to ensure eye safety, ear safety, head protection, fire prevention and respiratory protection. Here are ways to ensure you (or your employees) are protected in each of these areas.

•

Peter Dorman (June 2006), analyzed criteria for evaluating occupational safety policy and reviewed the neoclassical argument and sets forth an alternative approach based on (1) an allocation of full safety rights to labour enforced by a right to refuse hazardous work, (2) a provision for compensation bargaining between workers and firms, and (3) a supporting apparatus for research and training. Institutional elements of this approach which exist in the United States and other countries are identified, and the model is considered in light of cognitive dissonance, capital flight and other issues.

•

Nemilou Despuez (May 2008), stated that some professions which involves building construction, handling chemicals, and working in industrial companies are usally considered accident prone jobs. However, there are ways to prevent fatal industrial accidents and provide a safe workplace for employees. These are : Changing the workplace and installing some devices, implementing safety practices in workplace, adjusting the work schedule and task of employees, provide workers with personal protective equipment.

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Binoy Joseph, Joseph Injodey Raju Varghes (Jan 2009), described that India's labour force ranges from large numbers of illiterate workers to a sizeable pool of highly educated and skilled professionals. Labour welfare activities in India originated in 1837. They underwent notable changes during the ensuing years. This article is a description of these changes and the additions which were included over this period. On the whole, it paints a picture of the Indian Labour welfare scene. The 10 Five Year Plans have had a tremendous impact. Further, the Indian Planning Commission has laid down measures to enhance the welfare of workers in various areas such as child labour, bonded labour, female labour and occupational safety and health.

•

Tracey Lloyd (Feb 13, 2009), stated that there are simple steps employers can take in order to ensure that the workplace is safe for employees. Taking these steps also ensures that the legal duty of care that an employer has towards employees is met. Safety in the workplace can be coordinated by the human resources department or a Workplace Health and Safety committee, if one is in existence.

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Montaro Smith (Dec 2009), analyzed that electrical training is a concept where the employee of the electrical department are trained about the usage, inspection and utilization of the electrical equipments in the company. The electrical safety training also ensures that under the conditions of emergency, proper and immediate steps are taken to resolve the electrical systems. And also, safety of workers working in the office is maintained. The electrical safety training helps the employees to know what kind of clothes to wear near the machines, how to safeguard their body parts from accidents. It also helps the employees to use the electrical equipments in a safe manner.

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Monthly Labour Review (Dec 2009), analyzed that safety interventions tend to focus on the individual to the neglect of broader factors that may implicitly reward unsafe behaviour. They indicate that safety practitioners should consider organizational diagnosis to identify root causes of unsafe behaviour and accidents. . In this example, role overload may call for an individual intervention, but the findings on group process call for team-level interventions. In addition, negative perceptions of the safety climate among some teams suggest that management can more strongly emphasize safety.

•

Ben Wakeling (Jun 21, 2010 ), analyzed that Health and safety is a top priority for many businesses. The law dictates that they should provide every employee with a safe working

environment, and if they are found to be negligent, they stand to suffer considerable damage to their reputation and finances. Many companies therefore employ a health and safety officer to oversee requirements and carry out important tasks. In 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act were passed in the United States. That important piece of legislation protects employees from being at risk of injury or accident in the workplace by instructing companies to take action in reducing workplace hazards.

Research Methodology Sampling plan:Details of sampling plan adopted for this study is as following:-

Sampling unit: Sampling units consist of workers who are working in HERO CYCLES, Ludhiana. Sampling techniques: For this purpose of selecting sampling for constituting sample judgment and convenience sampling has been applied. Thus a combination of non-probability sampling and probability sampling was used. Non-probabilistic judgment sampling was used to identify sampling units and probability random sampling was used to select sampling units. Sampling size: Sample size of 100 sampling units has been taken for the purpose of collecting actual figures.

Data collection To collect vital information for research study both primary and secondary sources have been utilized. Primary Sources: - Information from sampling units has been collected through primary sources most by conducting personal interview and questionnaires. Secondary Sources: - Secondary sources like internet, magazine and newspapers have been used to collect information about the current welfare and safety scenario so as to get insight of it.

Research approach &research instrument Research Approach: - Research approach towards this study is combination of survey research and observational research. Survey research has been conducted through personal interview of respondents in order to collect response. Observation was used to decide place and time for conducting personal interviews. Research Instrument: - While conducting personal interviews of respondents, structured questionnaires has been used as research instrument.

Research tools and techniques Statistical tools like average, percentages etc and marketing research tools like factor analysis have been done.

Scope of study

The scope of study is confined to Ludhiana city. For the purpose of sampling, workers of Ludhiana unit has been considered as universe of the study. Study has been carried out to study the safety and welfare services at hero cycles, Ludhiana.

Statement of problem To study “The welfare measures and safety norms provided at HERO CYCLES LTD, Ludhiana” and suggesting ways to improve the same. Organizations are obliged to provide employee with a safe and healthful environment. Health is a general state of physical, mental and emotional well being. Safety is a protection of a person’s health. The main purpose of health and safety policies is the safe interaction of people and the work environment. Poor working conditions affect employee’s performance badly. Employees may find it difficult to concentrate on work. It would be taxing for them to work for longer hours. Accident and injuries may multiply causing enormous financial loss to the company. Absence and turnover ratio may grow. A company with a poor safety record may find it difficult to hire and retain skilled labor force. The overall quality of work may suffer. Many deaths, injuries and illness occur because of safety violations, poor equipment design or gross negligence. Thus, this study titled “The welfare measure and safety norms provided at HERO CYCLES LTD, Ludhiana” is based on workers responses regarding the safety and welfare facilities provided to them and the facilities which they feel should be given.

SAFETY QUESTIONNAIRE Q1. Are you aware of safety policy of your organization? RESPONSE YES

NO. OF RESPONDENTS 82

% OF REPONDENTS 82

NO

18

18

Interpretation •

Most of the employees and workers of the organisation says that they know about the safety policy of Hero cycle i.e 82%

•

Q2.

18% respondents responded that they are not aware of it.

Does

the

organization

provide

safety

training

regarding

the

handling

machines/equipments related to dangerous operations? Response Always Sometimes Never

No. of respondents 86 10 4

% of respondents 86% 10% 4%

of

Interpretation •

86% respondents said that company always provides training.

•

Few respondents responded that company sometimes give training i.e. 10

•

4% respondents responded that they don’t get training

Q3. Does your organization provide you safety equipments for work on dangerous machines? Response Always Sometimes Never

No. of respondents 93 5 2

% of respondents 93% 5% 2%

Interpretation •

Most of the respondents responded that they get safety equipments every time i.e. 93%

•

5% responded that they sometimes get it sometimes not

•

25 said they never get safety equipments

Q4. To what level machines are properly maintained and fenced? RESPONSE HIGHLY SATISFACTORY SATISFACTORY NEUTRAL DISATISFACTORY HIGHLY

NO. OF RESPONDENTS 78

% OF REPONDENTS 78%

12 5 3 2

12% 5% 3% 2%

DISSATISFACTORY

Interpretation •

78% respondents said that they are highly satisfied with the fencing and maintenance of machinery where 12% said it is satisfactory.

•

5 % said that it is neither satisfactory nor dissatisfactory.

Q 5: How frequently do accidents occur in your Company? Very Frequently

Frequently

Sometimes

Never

0%

20%

80%

0% 1 3-D Column 1 0.5

3-D Column 2 3-D Column 3

0

Interpretation •

Most of the respondents responded that accidents occur sometimes i.e 80% and 20% said it occurs frequently.

•

Where

no

when

responded

that

it

occurs

very

frequently

or

never

Q6: What are the common reasons for accidents? According to the survey there are different reasons for accidents but most of the accidents happen because of human negligence or mistake.

Q7: Does the company analyze the causes for accidents and take corrective measures to reduce the no. of accidents in future? Always 70%

Sometimes 20%

Never 10%

Interpretation •

70% of respondents said company finds out the reasons of accidents

•

Where 20% said that sometimes company do sometimes not

•

10% said they do not find the cause

Q8: Does the safety officer take corrective action in time whenever needed? Always 85%

Sometimes 10%

Never 5%

Interpretation 85% of the respondents think that the actions taken by the welfare officer are satisfactory while 10% think that immediate actions are taken sometimes and 5% responded for the view never.

Q9: Does the organization provide safety provisions on the following: Options

YES

NO

Protection of body

100%

1%

Protection against dangerous fumes

100%

1%

To lift heavy loads/weights.

100%

5%

Interpretation 99% of the workers are satisfied with safety of body provided by the organization while only 1% does not agree to it.

Interpretation 99% of the workers are satisfied with safety of body provided while handling dangerous operations by the organization while only 1% does not agree to it.

Interpretation 95% of the workers are satisfied with provision of lifts provided by the organization while only 1% does not agree to it.

WELFARE QUESTIONNAIRE 1. Are you aware of the welfare policy followed in the company?

Type of response

No. of respondents

Percentage

Yes

75

75%

No

25

25%

Awareness about Welfare Policy

Interpretation About 75% of the respondents are aware about the welfare policy followed in the company and 25% are not aware about it.

Q2. Is the company providing you best services related to the following? • First aid facility •

Ambulance facility

•

Dispensary

•

Rest room

•

Good working environment First Aid Facility Response

Number of respondents

Percentage

Highly agree

50

50%

Agree

30

30%

Neutral

10

10%

Disagree

7

7%

Highly disagree

3

3%

Interpretation Maximum respondents are highly agreed with the first aid facility while some have neutral opinion and few disagree to it.

Ambulance Facility

Response

Number of respondents

Percentage

Highly agree

80

80%

Agree

10

10%

Neutral

5

5%

Disagree

4

4%

Highly disagree

1

1%

Interpretation 80% of the respondents highly agree to the ambulance facility provided at Hero Cycles Ludhiana and very few have neutral opinion and negligible number of respondents disagrees.

Dispensary

Response

Number of respondents

Percentage

Highly agree

75

75%

Agree

10

10%

Neutral

7

7%

Disagree

5

5%

Highly disagree

3

3%

Interpretation

75% of the respondents highly agree to the service of dispensary provided by the company and very few have different opinion.

Rest Room Facility

Response

Number of respondents

Percentage

Highly agree

44

44%

Agree

22

22%

Neutral

11

11%

Disagree

17

17%

Highly disagree

5

5%

Interpretation

Though 40% of respondents highly agree to it but still the response is mixed related to the facility of rest rooms in the company.

Good Working Environment

Response

Number of respondents

Percentage

Highly agree

84

84%

Agree

10

10%

Neutral

3

3%

Disagree

2

2%

Highly disagree

1

1%

Interpretation

Maximum number of employees is very much satisfied with the kind of working environment provided to them though a few disagrees.

3. To what extent you are being satisfied with the following? • Washing facility •

Drinking water

•

House keeping

•

Storing facility (clothes, etc.)

•

Canteen/Lunch rooms

Washing Facility Response Excellent Good Average Below average Poor

Number of respondents 60 20 10 8 2

Percentage 60% 20% 10% 8% 2%

Interpretation 60% of the respondents are very much satisfied with the washing facility provided to them while others have mixed response.

Drinking water Response Excellent Good Average Below average Poor

Number of respondents 55 25 7 7 6

Percentage 55% 25% 7% 7% 6%

Interpretation 55% of the respondents think that drinking water facility is excellent while 25% think that it’s good and 6% think that it’s not good.

House Keeping Response Excellent Good Average Below average Poor

Interpretation

Number of respondents

Percentage

74

74%

20 3 2 1

20% 3% 2% 1%

75% of respondents are satisfied with housekeeping while 20%think that it’s good while remaining have average and below average response.

Storing Facility

Response

Number of respondents

Percentage

Excellent

70

70%

Good

15

15%

Average

7

7%

Below average

6

6%

Poor

2

2%

Interpretation 70% of respondents are satisfied with storing facility provided to them while remaining has shown mixed response towards it.

Canteen/Lunch Rooms

Response

Number of respondents

Percentage

Excellent

65

65%

Good

10

10%

Average

10

10%

Below average

8

8%

Poor

7

7%

Interpretation Respondents who believe that canteen facility is excellent are 65% among all and remaining has shown mixed responses towards it.

4. To what extent you are being satisfied with the following canteen facilities? • Quality of food •

Prices of food

•

Cleanliness

•

Sitting arrangement Quality of food Response

Number of respondents

Percentage

Excellent

55

55%

Good

25

25%

Average

10

10%

Below average

7

7%

Poor

3

3%

Interpretation Maximum respondents are highly satisfied with the quality of food provided at canteen and very few are not satisfied with it.

Prices of food

Response

Number of respondents

Percentage

Excellent

75

75%

Good

10

10%

Average

7

7%

Below average

5

5%

Poor

3

3%

Interpretation

75% of the respondents are satisfied with the prices of food items offered to them and very few have different opinion.

Cleanliness Response Excellent Good Average Below average Poor

Number of respondents 65 25 5 2 3

Percentage 65% 25% 5% 2% 3%

Interpretation 65% of the respondents think that cleanliness at the canteen area is excellent while 25% think that it’s good and 6% think that it’s not good.

Sitting arrangements

Response

Number of respondents

Percentage

Excellent

70

70%

Good

10

10%

Average

12

12%

Below average

6

6%

Poor

2

2%

Interpretation 70% of respondents are satisfied with the sitting arrangements provided during lunch time and tea interval, while remaining has shown mixed response towards it.

5. Are you satisfied with the following medical facilities? • Doctor •

Laboratory

•

Medicines

•

Periodical checkup Doctor Response

Number of respondents

Percentage

Satisfied

85

85%

Dissatisfied

15

15%

Interpretation

Maximum respondents are highly satisfied with the advice and treatment provided to them by the doctor at Hero Cycles Ludhiana and very few are dissatisfied.

Laboratory

Response

Number of respondents

Percentage

Satisfied

75

75%

Dissatisfied

25

25%

Interpretation

75% of the respondents are satisfied with the laboratory and the help provided to them by the lab expert and only 25% are not satisfied to it.

Medicines Response Satisfied Dissatisfied

Number of respondents 80 20

Percentage 80% 20%

Interpretation 80% of the respondents are satisfied with the availability of medicines for any emergency and only 20% among them are not satisfied.

Periodic Checkups

Response

Number of respondents

Percentage

Satisfied

70

70%

Dissatisfied

30

30%

Interpretation

70% of respondents are satisfied and aware about the periodic medical checkups done in the company while 30% of them are not satisfied with these checkups.

Q6. Are you aware of the following:Medi claim insurance Group insurance Gratuity Loans Medical compensation. Awareness of Workers of Group Insurance

Group Insurance

NO. of Persons % of Persons No. of Persons % of Persons say Yes say Yes say No say No 80 80% 20 20%

Interpretation 1. 80% of the workers know that the company does Group Insurance for their benefit. 2. 20% workers don’t know about Group Insurance.

Awareness of Workers of Gratuity

Gratuity

No. of Persons % of Persons No. of Persons % of Persons say Yes say Yes say No say No 95 95% 5 5%

Interpretation 1. 95% among the workers aware of the company Gratuity scheme. 2. Only 5% are not aware of this. 3. Highest awareness about it

Awareness of Workers of Loans

Loans

No. of Persons % of Persons No. of Persons % of Persons say Yes say Yes say No say No 60 60% 40 40%

Interpretation 1. Only 60% workers think that they can get loan from the company. 2. 40% workers don’t think it.

Awareness of Workers of Medical Compensation

Medical Compensation

No. of Persons % of Persons No. of Persons % of Persons say Yes say Yes say No say No 79 79% 21 21%

Interpretation 1. 79% workers think that they can get medical compensation if they met any industrial accident. 2. 21% are not aware of this compensation.

Employee Assistant Program

Employee Assistant Program

No. of Persons % of Persons No. of Persons % of Persons say Yes say Yes say No say No 80 80% 20 20%

Interpretation 1. Among the workers 80% of workers aware of the employee assistant program. 2. Only 20% are not aware of it. 8Q: Are there any suggestions that you would like to give regarding Welfare? 1. There should be restrooms for the workers, where they can rest for sometime after their shift. 2. The quality of the food stuffs provided in the canteen can be more improved.

Limitations of Study 1. Assumptions of Representatives sample

It has been assumed that sample of respondents selected through judgment random sampling is true representative of population. 2. None serious and biased response Some respondents took it very lightly and did not give accurate information. 3. Limited scope of study The study is confined to workers Ludhiana city only. The results cannot be generalized for any bigger population 4. Time and Resource constraints Sample size of respondents has been restricted to 50 respondents because of time and resource constraints 5. Hesitation Responses were taken in time office so workers hesitated to answer the problem related to working of time office.

1. On shop floor worker should be provided with glucose or lemon water which increases his stamina to work.

2. Condition of workers canteen and restroom should be improved. Cleanliness should be maintained in canteen and quality of food should be provided. Sufficient amount of food should be cooked to meet the demand of all workers. 3. Quality circles should be introduced in organization. It will help in removing day to day work related problems of workers and moreover workers will feel motivated and sense of belongingness will be generated when they solve their own problems and increase the productivity of organizations. 4. For the welfare of workers monetary and non monetary rewards and awards should be provided to workers who completes a certain time of his tenure. 5. Proper counseling of workers should be done by supervisors which will change their perception about work related problems and personal issues. So proper counseling of workers will help in changing this mind. 6. A supervisor per shift in charge should be held accountable for a group of workers their problems, welfare facilities, grievances, motivation level, participation in activities etc. 7. Company should lay more stress on taking corrective measures for safety regarding accidents. Proper training should be provided to workers; work load should be regulated as per the handling capacity of the workers so that they do not lose their concentration. 8. Quality of uniform and shoes should be improved and it should be designed according to working conditions so that workers do not face any kind of skin related problem.

9. Working environment needs to be improved to enhance the satisfaction level of workers the environment should be made friendly and team spirit need to be built up. 10. Training should be given regarding personal growth and development of the workers to make them a good citizen.

The general position of workers in respect of welfare facilities would seem to be that there is growing awareness of their beneficial effect on the well being of the workers as a whole, leading to improved industrial relations and greater productivity, but that are not uniformly provided, and where these are provided there are variations from region, industry and unit to unit.

The study finds various reasons that according to workers what should be done to help they feel comfortable on the job and they keep working safely. Overall it was found that worker search for the better working conditions and facilities to improve their standards of living alone with the safety of their life and adequate welfare if their family. They basically look for job satisfaction, safe and comfortable working environment. At the last various suggestions have been provided to improve the safety and welfare facilitates at Hero Cycles Limited. It was found that the safe working environment and welfare of the family are the most important factors which employees keep in mind while selecting an organization. Other factors include facilities and services provided by the company.

So study has been done to understand the workers preferences. It also involves various measures to provide safely and to work for the welfare and betterment of the workers so that they can work safely and feel secure at their workplace and work efficiently and effectively.

MAGAZINES REFERRED: Competition Affairs Management Digest

Business World India Today

WEBSITES www.google.com www.yahoo.com www.ask.com www.dogpile.com www.herocycles.com Www.alltheweb.com www.lycos.com www.dogpile.com www.herocycles.com

SAFETY QUESTINNAIRE Name Age Department Marital status Q1. Are you aware of safety policy of your organization? Yes No Q2. Does the organization provide safety training regarding the handling of machines/equipments related to dangerous operations? Yes No Q3. Does your organization provide you safety equipments for work on dangerous machines? Always Sometimes Never Q4. To what level machines are properly maintained and fenced? Highly satisfactory

satisfactory

average

dissatisfactory highly dissatisfactory

Q5. How frequently do accidents occur in your company? Very frequently

frequently

sometimes

Never

Q6. What are the common reasons for accidents?

Q7. Does the company analyze the causes of accidents and take corrective measures to reduce the number of accidents in future? Always sometimes never Q8. Does the safety officer take corrective actions in time whenever needed? Always sometimes never Q9. Does the organization provide safety provisions on the following Yes No Protection of body Protection against dangerous fumes To lift heavy loads/weights Q10. Would you like to give any suggestion for improvement in the safety policy?

WELFARE QUESTIONNAIRE Q1. Does the company follow the welfare policy? Yes

no

Q2. Is the company providing you best services related to the following:Highly agree

Agree

neutral

disagree

highly disagree

First aid facility Ambulance facility Dispensary Rest room Good Working Environment Q3. To what extent are you satisfied with following:Excellent

good

average

below average

poor

Washing facility Drinking water House keeping For storing clothes Canteen/lunch rooms Q4. Give your opinion related to following canteen facilities? Excellent

good

average

Quality of food Prices of food Cleanliness of canteen Sitting arrangement Q5 Are you satisfied with the following medical facilities:-

below average

poor

Satisfied

Dissatisfied

Doctor Laboratory Medicines Periodical checkup

Q6. Are you aware of the following:Yes

No

Medi claim insurance Group insurance Gratuity Loans Medical compensation Q7. Does the organization provide Employee assistant programs? Yes

no

Q8. Are there any suggestions that you would like to give regarding labour welfare and safety policy of Hero Cycle?

THANK YOU