India’s leading occupational safety and health (OSH) expo and conference, hosted by Informa Markets in India, was held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. Scheduled from November 21 to 23, 2024, the three-day event gathered international safety experts, industry leaders to exchange insights, foster innovation, and tackle pressing issues in the OSH landscape. With India’s OSH sector set to expand rapidly, reaching around $17.86 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 11.1%, the personal protective equipment (PPE) market is also on a robust growth path, expected to increase from $849.8 million in 2023 to $1,473 million by 2032, with a CAGR of 6.3%.

The inauguration of OSH India 2024 was marked by the presence of distinguished dignitaries, with the guest of honour - Ram Bhagirathibai Digambarrao Dahiphale, Additional Director, Directorate of Industrial Safety & Health, Government of Maharashtra; Special Guest- Vipin Venu Varakoth, Dy. Director - Air Safety, Airport Authority of India and other esteemed personalities including Dr Ajit Salvi, Director, Regional Centre for Urban & Environmental Studies, All India Institute of Local Self-Government, Mumbai; Shri G. S. Baveja, President, Mumbai Chapter, National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety, India; Shri Avinash Misar, Chairman, Indian Technical Textiles Association; Shri Mahesh Kudav, President, Safety Appliances Manufacturers Association; Shri Sanjeev Raina, Executive Director – Corp HSSE, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd;  Bhushan Mankame, Regional Director of National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety;  Pankaj Jain, Sr. Group Director & Digital Head, Informa Markets in India and  Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India.

OSH India 2024 stands as a premier platform for presenting innovations and solutions in workplace safety and health. This year's edition featured participation from over 250 brands, including industry leaders like 3M India, Karam Safety, Udyogi International, Rahman Industries (PERF), Bisonlife India, Aktion Safety, Dupont and Woodland (Aero Club), showcasing their latest products, services, and technologies. The event also included a focused conference track, bringing together more than 55 speakers and expected to attract over 7,000 trade visitors. This diverse participation highlighted its significance as a key gathering for advancing occupational safety and health standards. 

 Ram Bhagirathibai Digambarrao Dahiphale, Additional Director, Directorate of Industrial Safety & Health, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Safety is an essential part of human life, extending from the workplace to the home, and is integral to ensuring well-being in every environment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has evolved with the times, incorporating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence to provide advanced protection. However, the fundamental need for the right PPE for the right person at the right job remains critical. In today's industrial landscape, ensuring the safety of all workers, including those employed through contractors, is paramount. Investing in the implementation of comprehensive safety measures and proper PPE is far more cost-effective than addressing the aftermath of accidents.OSH India plays a vital role in spreading awareness, fostering innovation, and inspiring action toward achieving the ultimate goal of zero accidents in industries. It is a collective effort where every individual’s contribution matters to create a safer, more sustainable future."

Shri Sanjeev Raina, Executive Director – Corp HSSE, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd , commented, “Safety is not just a priority—it is a core value that must be ingrained into the DNA of every individual and organisation. While priorities may shift over time, values remain constant, and safety should always be at the forefront. It is imperative to understand that safety is not merely about compliance or responsibility; it is about accountability and sustainability. Embracing safety as an integral part of business operations ensures long-term success, as unsafe practices can jeopardise not only individual well-being but the very foundation of business and the ecosystem it operates in. Leveraging technology, such as AI and innovations, enhances safety measures, making them more effective. Platforms like OSH India play a vital role in initiating dialogues, which lead to opportunities, harmony, and a safer ecosystem. This provides a space to share insights, exchange ideas, and collectively work towards a culture where safety is a universal value."

The event garnered strong backing from key industry associations, including the All-India Association of Industries (AIAI), Safety Appliances Manufacturers Association (SAMA), Indian Technical Textiles Association (ITTA), International Power Access Federation (IPAF), World of Safety & Health Asia (WSHASIA), National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety (NFE), Thane Belapur Industrial Association (TBIA), Taloja Industries Association (TIA), Additional Ambernath Manufacturers Association (AAMA), Indian Association of Occupational Health (IAOH), and the Mutual Aid Response Group (MARG). This collaboration reflects a unified effort to elevate workplace safety standards and foster a culture of well-being.

 The first day of OSH India 2024 delved into critical discussions focused on enhancing workplace safety and health. The agenda featured insightful sessions like Risk Assessment Beyond Era: Construction Site Logistics and Its Impact on Safety by  Raaj Kumar Paul, Assistant Vice President & Head EHS (MSI-Mobility & Strategic Infrastructure) at Tata Projects. The focus shifted to the global perspective with Navigating Safety in a Dynamic World, led by  Cameron S. Stokes, Vice-President of Industrial Sales at Lakeland Industries. Dr. Ajit Salvi, Director of the Regional Centre for Urban & Environmental Studies at the All India Institute of Local Self-Government, Mumbai, addressed the pressing issue of Occupational Health Hazards of Sewage Workers. The challenges of HSE in Data Centre Management were explored by  Jagat Pandya, Head of HSE Data Center Business at Sterling and Wilson. The day culminated in a panel discussion on Emerging Technologies and Standards to Address Workplace Safety and Health Risks, moderated by  Pravin L. Shinde, Safety, SHE & Sustainability Lead for India and Neighboring Markets at Roche.

On Day 2, various pivotal safety topics were addressed, beginning with Management of Safety & Environmental Critical Elements (SECE) and Safety Case as a Foundation for Risk Management of Major Accident Hazards, presented by Sudarshan Singh, HSSEQ & Compliance Head for India FPSO Operations at Shapoorji Pallonji Armada Oil & Gas Offshore Exploration. The session continued with Protex®: Save Your Life with Flame Retardant Solutions, led by Sumit Banik, Senior Manager of Sales & Marketing at Kaneka India. Dr. Kanan Yadav, Country Medical Doctor at BASF, discussed Mental Wellbeing: Safeguarding Employees from Behavioral and Emotional Disorders.

Advancements in technology were explored through Transforming the Industrial Workforce with Connected Safety, presented by Shreesh Nadgouda, Region Sales Manager for India and South Asia at Blackline Safety. Workshops on Preventing Electrical Accidents & Fires in Industries, powered by the National Federation of Electrical Engineers (NFE), and Ergonomics & Employee Wellbeing for a Resilient Workplace offered practical insights. The day also featured sessions on Elevate Your EHS Career: The Value of Certifications, First-Aid: Life of Your Life, which emphasised the importance of first-aid knowledge for safeguarding employee health in emergencies, and the significance of Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) Inspections. The day concluded with a panel discussion on Making Workplace Safety a Priority: The Top-Down Approach.

On Day 3 of OSH India 2024, held in collaboration with the Indian Technical Textiles Association, advancements in protective textiles and sustainable practices in the textile industry took centre stage. The agenda featured presentations on Advanced Materials for High-Performance Protective Textiles, showcasing innovations designed to enhance safety and protection across industries, and Sustainable and Circular Practices in Medical & Hygiene Textiles - Innovative Solutions, which explored environmentally friendly and efficient solutions for medical and hygiene textiles.

On Day 1, OSH India 2024 launched the Innovation Zone Pavilion, spotlighting safety solutions, with top innovations recognised at the OSH India Awards. The Startup Pavilion also debuted, providing a platform for emerging occupational safety and health startups to connect with industry leaders and investors. The OSH Everywhere global campaign invited professionals to share impactful safety stories. Additionally, the AI-powered OSH Market Online platform was introduced, enabling year-round connections between buyers and sellers to ensure continued engagement and opportunities.