Mumbai, November 2014: OSH India 2014, the two day (27-28 November 2014) Safety Show hosted by UBM India at Bombay Exhibition Centre brought together internationally renowned exhibitors, consultants, business experts and key government officials on one common platform, to discuss global best practices and seek solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in workplace safety and health.

OSH India 2014, claimed as India's largest safety and health exhibition, during its third edition underlined the growing importance of Occupational Health & Safety compliance in Indian industries. At the inauguration of OSH India 2014 were present industry dignitaries like Mr V B Sant, Director General, National Safety Council, India and Mr Kevin Myers, Deputy Chief Executive - Health Safety & Environment, President of the International Association of Labour Inspectorate and Trustee, British Safety Council.

Mr V B Sant, said on the occasion, "The Government's 'Make in India' initiative will provide a major boost to manufacturing but, it will not work in isolation. We will have to create an enabler environment ensuring complete safety standards at various manufacturing facilities to make this dream a reality. I am really happy to say that OSH India 2014, is taking the lead in bringing industry stakeholders under one roof taking into cognisance that the GDP could be enhanced by over 3%, just by taking some relevant steps recommended in the show today."

The summit brought together eminent speakers like Mr Suresh Tanwar, VP - Safety, Health & Environment, Tata Motors Ltd; Mr Shabbir Kanchwala, Senior VP, K Raheja Corp; Mr Manoj Kamaliya, VP - HSEF, Reliance Industries Limited; Mr Alex Botha, Chief Executive - British Safety Council; Ms Carolyn Issitt, Head of Membership Development - Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH); Mr Nick Wharton, Director - JOMC; Mr Shashi Shekhar, Business Leader Learning and Development - DuPont Sustainable Solutions; and Mr Manoj Javer, Technical Leader - Industrial Personal Protection (IPP) - DuPont India Pvt Ltd. There was a presentation by Mr Reinhold Eisenbarth, Regional Segment Manager, MEA, Draeger on "Importance of Human Factors in Developing Respiratory Protection Systems," and a presentation by Mr Vinay Pathak, Manager Technical, 3M R&D Centre, as part of the first day events.

Besides these the show also witnessed experts from across the country and leading international organizations like British Safety Council, NEBOSH and IOSH amongst others, discussing global best practices and the costs that poor working conditions impose on the national economy. Topics of discussion at the conference ranged from 'Bringing OSH into the mainstream of Development Discourse', 'Occupational health and Wellness -Interventions that work', 'Overcoming the hurdles to achieving the safety standards in the Construction Industry', to how safety and sustainability has a positive impact on a company's bottom line.

Mr Kevin Myers, stated: "Leaders are responsible for many aspects of workplace health and safety- management of workloads, supervision of staff, ensuring safety communication should and must be an integral part of their day. Leaders have a responsibility to inspire and support employees in the pursuit of the highest standards of safety. The way a leader talks and acts about safety sends a clear signal informing employee attitudes and behaviour."

The event witnessed active participation from the top players of the industry. Significant dignitaries for OSH 2014 comprised of IOSH - Premier Partner, Draeger - Platinum Partner, 3M India, Acme Safetywear and KARAM Industries - Gold Partners, MALLCOM - Silver Partner, British Safety Council - Workshop Partner, along with Udyogi Plastics (Registration & Visitor Bag Partner), Grainger Industrial Supply India Pvt Ltd, Dupont, Honeywell, BATA Industrials, Zoll Medical Corporation, Lifegear, Super Tannery, Jayco Safety, Aktion Safety Solutions and Marvel Gloves amongst others, reaffirming the focus and direction of OSH India as an industry event. The first day also witnessed a number of product launches from the top companies participating in OSH 2014.

Mr Joji George, MD, UBM India, said, "Today, the high safety standards in select countries are result of long-term policies, encouraging tripartite social dialogue and effective health and safety legislation backed by strong labour inspection. The challenge is to bring these healthy practices to rest of the workforce across the world. On the other hand, with India offering rapidly developing infrastructure and multinational investment in the safety & health sector, there has never been a better time to expand into the market. UBM India's focus for OSH India 2014 is to bring health and safety industry together to meet the needs of this fast growing market."