The 11th edition of OSH India, India’s premier occupational safety and health (OSH) expo and conference, organised by Informa Markets in India, concluded at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. The three-day event, which was held from November 23rd to 25th, 2023, offered a platform for global experts, industry players, and enthusiasts to converge, innovate, and address the challenges and opportunities in the industrial safety and health sector. As India’s occupational safety and health (OSH) market anticipates growth, projected to reach USD 17.86 billion by 2030 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.1%, this event became a vital gathering for the industry.
The inaugural ceremony of OSH India 2023 saw the presence of distinguished guests, including Guest of Honour Mr. Devidas B. Gore, Director, DISH Maharashtra. Additionally, notable figures such as Dr. Ajit Salvi, Dy. Chief Engineer-Sewerage Operations, BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation; Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Head-Safety & Quality, Mumbai Metro One Pvt. Ltd., Mr. V. Ramgude, Chief Engineer Design, PWD, Govt. of Maharashtra and Mr. Hemant Sapra, President, Safety Appliances Manufacturers’ Association; Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India; and Mr. Pankaj Jain, Sr. Group Director & Digital Head, Informa Markets in India, graced the inauguration. Together with industry dignitaries, they underscored the significance of occupational safety and health, emphasizing the necessity for a collaborative approach to foster a safer and more sustainable work environment.
OSH India 2023 served as a comprehensive platform for showcasing innovations and solutions in workplace safety and health. Over 300 brands, including prominent players like Liberty, Udyogi, Allen Cooper, PERF, Idos, mtandt, BATA, Nebosh, Venus, DPL, and Intech Safety, exhibited their latest products, services, and technologies. The expo also featured a dedicated conference track with over 50 speakers and 8000 trade visitors. The diverse participation made it a significant gathering in the realm of occupational safety and health.
The expo focused on covering the entire spectrum of safe and healthy working environments. Participating companies presented their noteworthy products, services, and solutions portfolios, featuring innovative industry concepts and themes. This event was supported by prominent associations, including the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA), safety Appliances Manufacturers Association (SAMA), WSHAsia, enhancing its credibility and industry support reflecting a collaborative approach to advancing workplace and safety.
Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Head- Safety & Quality, Mumbai Metro One Pvt. Ltd. said, “Over the past two decades, safety has evolved into a critical focus, requiring commitment from top management to instill a pervasive safety culture. Active worker participation and understanding of sector-specific challenges are crucial. Collaboration between safety product manufacturers and organizations is essential to meet specific safety needs economically. The ultimate goal is to enhance global safety cultures, emphasizing safety in all aspects of life. Rigorous safety training for all workers ensures standardized safety protocols. Notably, the success of these efforts is evident in the absence of accidents since the inception of Metro services in 2014. At OSH India 2023, our focus remains on urging organizations to uphold and advance safety standards.”
Talking about indispensable elements in the realm of manufacturing, Mr. Devidas B. Gore, Director, DISH Maharashtra said, “In the manufacturing sector, the responsibility for the welfare of workers lies with factory owners. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) stands as a vital safeguard, and over the past 11 years, Informa Markets in India has played a pivotal role in championing PPE initiatives. OSH India 2023 exhibition offers a diverse range of products and solutions which are integral to accident prevention and ensuring the well-being of the workforce.”
Highlighting the enduring significance of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), Dr. Ajit Salvi, Dy. Chief Engineer-Sewerage Operations, Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation underscored that more than 2.78 billion employees face annual occupational issues. OSH’s plays a critical role in the ongoing fourth industrial revolution and is imperative to tackle forthcoming challenges. The reluctance of workers to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in extreme conditions due to discomfort, stresses the need to address climate-related OSH challenges. It’s crucial to take preventative actions, proactive measures, and holistic strategies like stress reduction, balanced meals, and financial assessments. Over the course of the three days at OSH India 2023, the assembly of experts is poised to generate innovative solutions to address the evolving challenges in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).”
Mr. Mannan Bansal, Director, Liberty Group said, “In our pursuit of excellence, Liberty Group delivers globally competitive products, surpassing Indian norms. We educate local industries and serve MNCs with superior-quality products at competitive prices. At OSH India, our focus on innovation is evident through additions like file and rubber technology. Targeting a 25-30% annual revenue increase, our lightweight sole and revolutionary products gain traction, especially among MNCs. OSH India serves as a vital platform for interaction, learning, and showcasing successes. Standout products, including Vijeta Shakti and innovative popcorn technology in our warrior line, exemplify our dedication to innovation, quality, and market responsiveness.”
Speaking on the 11th edition of OSH India in Mumbai, Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, “Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) are indispensable for industries, ensuring workforce safety and indirectly enhancing a nation’s economic resilience. OSH India serves as a hub for stakeholders to explore cutting-edge solutions, engage with global experts, and foster awareness and best practices. India’s market for industrial safety equipment has grown to be worth over USD 841 million, driven by demands from a variety of industries, stricter laws, and an improved awareness of occupational safety.”
“This highlights the crucial role that conventions like OSH India play in India’s economic growth by creating a workforce that is safer, healthier, and more productive. Its turnkey conference has aided in seeking insights into current policies such as the newly incepted Labour Code that stands to promote work-life balance and benefit India’s working populace,” he further added.
Beyond the enthralling live demonstrations, product showcases, and invaluable networking opportunities, the expo also presented an extensive conference program. These sessions explored cutting-edge technologies in OSH, delved into workplace culture ergonomics, and addressed employee health and wellness. Road safety, sewage operation safety, and a myriad of other crucial topics were also brought to the forefront.
The conference at OSH India focused on crucial topics such as “Occupational Health Checks Today that will Add to your life Tomorrow,” “Behavioural Accident Prevention Process Technique,” “How to make Behaviour-Based Safety More lean in Today’s scenario,” “The Role of Leadership in an employee-driven safety process,” “Inherently Safe Design: The First Step towards Risk Elimination,” “Panel Discussion: HSE for the Future workforce: Risks, Challenges and Opportunities,” “Using Behavioural Technology to Achieve World-Class Safety Leading the Way Towards Zero Injury at Workplaces,” and discussions on “Ergonomics in the Office.” The key industry experts at OSH India 2023 included Dr. Ajit Salvi, Dy. Chief Engineer-Sewarage Operations, BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation, Dr. Manjeet Singh Arora, Occupational Health Physician, Consultant Fortis Hospital, Mumbai & National Trainer – First Aid / CPR / Safety, Mayurika Chakraborty, Head HSSE and Business Compliance Ambassador, Maersk South Asia, Dr. Nitin Kondalkar, Corporate Lead EHS and ESG, Crompton Greaves Limited – Industrial Systems Group, Raj Kumar Paul, Asst. Vice President & Head EHS (Transportation & Strategic Infrastructure, Tata Projects and Surya Rau V. V., Group President Safety and Operational Risk, Reliance amongst others.
The event further unveiled the highly anticipated 9th edition of the OSH India Awards, recognising innovators and celebrating excellence within the industry. This year, the awards received an overwhelming number of nominations from 353 nominations in categories such as Employee Driven Safety Champion, SHE Leadership Award, Workspace Safety Manager of the Year, Excellence in Health and Wellness, Excellence in Road Safety, Excellence in Safety Training and Education, Innovation in Safety Technology, Safety Start-up of the Year, Small business safety champion of the year, Lifetime Achievement Award and the Best Innovative Product of the Year, reflecting the growing recognition of outstanding contributions to occupational safety and health. In addition, a captivating Safety Fashion Walk, aptly themed “Who Says Safety Can’t be Glamorous,” showcased stylish safety apparel and cutting-edge gadgets.
OSH India 2023 seamlessly integrated into Informa Markets India’s 4th edition of the Festivity of Business campaign, marking a high season of economic celebration. This year’s initiative encompasses a diverse array of over 40 events, including ten signature Expos, Conferences, Industry Awards, Buyer-Seller Meets, and Training programs, all set to propel India to new heights.
