The implementation of the China plus one strategy by multinational corporations, the introduction of Productivity Linked Incentives (PLI) schemes aimed at boosting the production of key products, and the financial support from multilateral agencies for large-scale infrastructure projects have collectively reinforced workplace safety in India, according to experts and safety gear manufacturers participating in the OSH India 2023 exhibition.

The Industrial safety equipment market is anticipated to reach $17.86 billion globally by 2030, with a growing domestic market and multinational companies increasingly procuring high-quality safety gear from India and other sources, as outlined in a report by Meticulous Research.

Anticipating this upward trajectory, Bata India Ltd established its Industrial division seven years ago to manufacture top-notch footwear for industrial workers, stated Ashish Arora, Assistant Vice President, Institutional and Sneakers Business at Bata India.

Sanjay Kumar, Head of Safety and Quality at Mumbai Metro One, emphasised the evolution of safety into a focal point over the past two decades, requiring commitment from top management to instil a pervasive safety culture. He highlighted the crucial role of active worker participation and an understanding of sector-specific challenges in this context.

Devidas B Gore, Director of the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health Maharashtra, stressed that in the manufacturing sector, the responsibility for workers' welfare lies with factory owners, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) serves as a vital safeguard.

Dr Ajit Salvi, Deputy Chief Engineer, Sewage Operations, Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation, underscored the significance of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), noting that more than 2.78 billion employees in India face annual occupational issues. He highlighted the need to address climate-related OSH challenges, particularly workers' reluctance to use PPE in extreme conditions due to discomfort.

Mannan Bansal, Director of Liberty Group, reported a rising demand for safety shoes from both domestic companies and multinational corporations, with an annual revenue growth target of 25-30%.

Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets in India, emphasised the indispensability of OSH for industries in ensuring workforce safety and indirectly enhancing a nation's economic resilience. The market for industrial safety equipment in India has surpassed $841 million, propelled by demands from various industries, stricter laws, and increased awareness of occupational safety.

Shreesh Nadgouda, Country Sales Manager at Blacklinesafety, a supplier of equipment for protecting workers from gas exposure, noted the rapid progress in India's journey towards safety and the commitment to adhering to the highest norms.

Pratim Deb, Business Head at Udyogi, a manufacturer of various safety gear, highlighted that the global market is now looking to India as a source for safety products, dispelling previous doubts about the quality of Indian products.

Source: The Hindu