AbstractOccupational environment is fast deteriorating in India. The problem is becoming severe since workplace exposure in small scale and household industries is not regulated at all. This, coupled with the combined effect of poverty, unemployment, underemployment, child labour and illiteracy, makes it very difficult to implement risk reduction measures in workplaces.On pure economic grounds, improving occupational environment will not be attractive for industries. There needs to be strong pressure from international agencies, environmentalists, trade union leaders and academics for creating awareness among workers and making the workplace safer in developing countries.